[huntingvet]

Acral lick dermatitis is when a dog chronicly licks well defined areas of their skin to the point of causing hairloss, skin infection, and occasionally pain. It has many causes ranging from osteoarthritis of nearby joints, primary skin problems (previous skin infection/trauma or allergies), and often boredom.

Treatment revolves around interrupting the stereotypic behavior, identifying and resolving any medical abnormalities (skin infection, controlling osteoarthritis pain), and preventing recurrence.

Interrupting the stereotypic behavior usually is best accomplished with physical barriers. Elizabethan collars are wonderful for this as they can be left on 24/7 for several weeks to allow skin problems to heal. Bandaging those areas are helpful in mild cases but usually require wearing elizabethan collars in more severe cases. There is evidence that anti-depressants and even medication that blocks endorphin release (the natural pain killer) can aid in removing the incentive for the dog to continue the behavior. Topical application of anti-inflammatories can also be helpful (ask you veterinarian if a concoction of 150 mg flunixin meglumine added to a 8ml bottle of synotic would be helpful for you).

To identify underlying medical causes xrays, various skin tests, and often trials of antihistamines, special diets, and parasite prevention may be required.

Preventing recurrence in those cases that have no obvious persisting medical causes revolves around behavioral modification (Kong toys, scheduled play time, training/mental stimulation, adding a new play mate if appropriate) and occasionally medication (anti-depressants, endorphin blocking medication) in severe cases.

Good luck as these can be frustrating cases to completely resolve but rarely is it a serious issue.