Sores on back

[ozziesmom]

Ozzie is 5 years old. I took him to the vet in a panic approximately 1 month ago because I noticed a scabby sore on his back. Well before I could get him to the vet the next day, he had scrapped it off. It left a circular red hairless area. I think maybe it was itching, or irritating to him. Anyway the next day at the vet the technician took a hair sample from the area to see if it would grow ringworm. In the meantime while waiting for the culture to come back, I was informed to clean the area with chlorhexidine and apply triple antibiotic ointment. I trimmed the fur from around the area, and applied the ointment. I placed a tee-shirt on him to keep Ozzie from licking the area (the E-Collar was too big, and he kept crashing into things). I've had some limited success with the original lesion. But tonight I noticed the area getting rough again, as if the scab is coming back. I also noticed that he has a similiar lesion on his stomach, and as I feel along the spine it appears that a smaller one is developing. (oh, the culture came back negative for ringworm).

I am calling the vet first thing in the morning. But wanted to know if anyone has seen anything similiar to what I describe.
Thanks in advance,
Ozziesmom

[Judi W]

Well, if it is ringworm, keep your hands off of it or you will be treating yourself as well.

[AngelBunny]

Sounds like a hotspot.

What are you feeding Ozzie?

[ozziesmom]

AngelBunny,


He's eating Eukanuba Large breed adult plus added fatty acid since he has dry skin. I've been reading about hot spots. Thanks.

[AngelBunny]

The second ingredient in Eukanuba® Adult Large Breed Formula is corn. Ozzie might be allergic to corn and his allergy manifesting itself in the form of hotspots.

The rule of thumb is If you can buy the food in a grocery store, it's not something you want to feed your dog. There are many premium foods readily available that are better than what you're currently feeding.

I got my first Rottie in 1984 and fed Otto (aka AngelBunny Spot Dog) Science Diet (contains corn). Thruout his life, my poor boy was plagued by hotspots.

Now that I know what I know about canine nutrition, I believe Otto was allergic to corn and his hotspots were caused by his diet.

[Judy Chrusch]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

Sounds like a hotspot.

What are you feeding Ozzie?

I was thinking the same thing and a food allergy is possible which also can cause hotspots.

Judy

[ozziesmom]

Wow. Thanks for the advice. I will change his food. Thanks again. I'll start my search for a different food.
Ozziesmom