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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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