Small Animal Dermatology Q&A 06

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The inguinal fold area of a partially paralyzed dog is shown. The dog was expected to regain voluntary movement and was released to the owners for home care. The owners manually expressed the dog’s bladder six times per day; however, the dog was often found wet from urine leakage.

Question	Answer		Article
What is the most likely cause of the lesion shown?	The most likely cause is urine scalding. This is an irritant reaction caused by the skin being chronically wet from exposure to urine.		Link to Article
How should this lesion be treated to prevent it from happening again?	These lesions are very painful. The area should be washed with warm water and thoroughly dried. Topical silver sulfadiazine ointment or triple antibiotic ointment should be applied to this lesion until it heals. Urine scald lesions are a risk factor in any animal that is recumbent and/or paralyzed. The owners need to express the dog’s bladder more efficiently and/or more frequently. If this dog is having urine scalding, it is very likely that the dog may also develop pressure point necrosis. The dog should be turned more frequently and consideration should be given to putting the dog in a body sling until it recovers.		Link to Article
What are the most common irritants encountered by small animals?	Irritant reactions are most likely to occur on thinly haired areas. The most commonly incriminated irritants include soaps, detergents, disinfectants, weed and insecticidal sprays, flea collars, fertilizers, and carpet cleaners or fresheners.		Link to Article