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Fact Sheet
Acral
Lick Granulomas
What
is a lick granuloma?
A lick granuloma is an open
sore on the skin caused by and perpetuated by constant
licking. It is generally located on one of the legs, or
paws, especially near the carpus (wrist) joint. Typically,
the hair will be licked off and the skin will be either
raw and weeping or thickened, reddish, and scar-like.
Lick granulomas usually begin
with an itching or tingling sensation on the leg from some
cause or other. Insect bites, fleas, tiny splinters, pressure
sores, boredom or almost any other process that causes
a minor itching sensation may initiate the repetitive licking
that leads to a lick granulomas. Regardless of the originating
cause, the dog responds to it by licking. Often this serves
only to further increase the itching or tingling. Very
shortly, a vicious cycle develops, creating a habit much
like a child sucking its thumb. Even if the problem that
initiated the itching or tingling sensation is gone, the
habit of licking continues.
Are there certain
breeds that are more likely to do this?
Yes. German Shepherds, Doberman
Pinschers, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Irish
Setters are reputed to be more likely to develop lick granulomas
than other breeds, but it is possible in any breed. In
addition, male dogs are twice as likely to do this when
compared to female dogs.
Why does a dog do
this?
Agreement has not been reached
on the answer to this question. There are three basic views
on the subject. Some see it as a primary skin disorder,
some see it as a behavioral problem, and some see it as
a neurological disease involving the nerves in the area.
It is likely that most lick granulomas have more than one
cause or a single cause with one or more contributing problems.
How is this diagnosed
and differentiated from other skin disorders?
In most cases, the diagnosis
is made based on the appearance and location of the sore,
along with an owner-supplied history of licking at the
affected area for some time. However, certain skin tumors,
parasites, embedded foreign bodies, and allergies can create
sores that look very similar. In addition, trauma that
causes bone fractures or nerve injury can also lead to
constant licking, creating a similar lesion. Therefore,
skin scrapings, fungal cultures, fine needle aspiration
cytology, radiographs (x-rays), and biopsies may be recommended.
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