Acral Lick Dermatitis

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                        (lick granuloma)



                      General Information



Acral dermatitis is a skin condition resulting from repeated

licking.  At first there is only a small area of hair loss, but

with constant licking, a thickened, raised plaque develops.

Often this raised sore is raw, inflamed and ulcerated.



Lick granulomas occur primarily in dogs left alone for long

periods.  Boredom is usually responsible for the licking habit.

Certain breeds, such as Dobermans, Great Danes, Labrador

Retrievers, Irish Setters and German Shepherds, are more likely

to develop the condition.  While the condition can occur at any

age, most dogs are over 5 years old when the sores first appear.



Stress may also stimulate abnormal licking.  Causes of stress

include a new pet or baby in the home, the death or absence of a

family member or a companion dog, or a nearby female dog that is

in heat.  Obviously, many things could be upsetting or stressful

to dogs left alone or confined for long periods.  It is important

to understand that the dog's problem is psychological and not

physical.  A thorough analysis of the dog's environment is

necessary to determine the cause.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Lick granuloma is very difficult to treat.  If the underlying

    psychogenic cause cannot be corrected, the lick sore may

    never be cured.



2.  Medication must be given as directed.  Notify the doctor if

    you cannot carry out any prescribed treatment.



3.  Exercise:  Whenever possible, exercise your dog and spend

    more time with it to keep its mind off licking.



4.  Special instructions:





5.  Various treatments are used in treating lick granulomas.

    They include lotions, creams, pills, injections, bandages or

    other devices to prevent licking, surgical removal of sores,

    and mood-altering drugs, such as tranquilizers and

    barbiturates. The treatment depends on such factors as the

    size and severity of the granuloma, chances for eliminating

    the psychological causes, length of time the dog has been

    affected, and time available for the owner to work with the

    dog.  Please feel free to discuss any aspects of the

    treatment with the doctor.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your dog continues to lick the sore.



    * Your dog's sore enlarges.



    * Your dog's sore is red, hot or swollen, or oozes fluid or

    pus.



    * Your dog removes any protective bandages or wraps.