Skin Lesions on Dogs

When it comes to your dog's health, skin lesions are something you want to keep an eye out for. Since many of the causes behind these lesions are very serious, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you notice them. 

Skin Lesions on Dogs

A skin lesion is an area of flesh that has a growth on it or is different from the surrounding areas. They can be the result of a skin disease or an internal disease. 

Causes of Dog Skin Lesions

There are various causes for skin lesions to form:

• Allergies. If your dog has allergies or has an allergic reaction to something it was exposed to, it can cause an area to become itchy and irritated. As a result, the dog will bite and lick at the area until a sore is formed. 
• Fungus infections. Infections such as ringworm or scabies can also cause lesions to form. This is one of the more common reasons behind skin lesions and the area around the sore will usually be crusty and red.
• Parasites. If your dog has come into contact with a parasite, such as fleas, this could also lead to lesions. This, too, will leave a crusty, red area behind that will become filled with pus if it is a chronic occurrence. 
• Dermatitis. This is when your dog's skin becomes inflamed or infected. 
• Pyoderma. Like dermatitis, this is when your dog's skin is infected or inflamed. The reason behind pyoderma, though, is different, as this is a secondary reaction to bacterial or viral infections. Both of these conditions will bring red, crusty skin, hair loss and pus that may drain. 
• Abscesses. An abscess occurs in response to a traumatic force, such as a bacteria or parasite. It means that dead skin tissues have begun to gather.
• Cancer. When a dog gets skin cancer, tumors will often have skin lesions. These lesions will be rough, will destroy the hair that used to be there and will likely be in multiple locations on your dog. 

There are a few other causes behind skin lesions, such as a healing injury, liver disease, tumors or cysts. 

Diagnosing the Cause of a Dog Skin Lesion

In order to determine the exact cause of the lesions, a battery of tests are required. A complete physical will be done, as well as an in-depth look at the history of your animal and the lesions, along with any other symptoms it may have. If there is drainage of the lesion, it will be examined. In most cases, a biopsy of the area will be required to make a final diagnosis. 

Treatment Options for Canine Skin Lesions

Treatment fully depends upon what is causing the lesion, whether it be a skin disease, an allergic reaction or an internal illness. 

If you notice lesions on your dog's skin, don't hesitate to take it in to see the veterinarian. In most cases, early detection is the key to recovery, as a disease can become incurable later on down the road. 

Something else that you can do is to make sure that the lesions are kept clean. Don't let your dog go swimming or roll around in the mud. Until you know whether or not what your dog has is contagious, try to keep the dog in an area where it will not be a risk to itself, other animals or your family.