Your 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Cooper, has a raw, weeping lesion on his neck. It appeared overnight—8 cm of red, moist, hairless skin. He won't stop scratching. It smells. What is this?
Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a self-inflicted lesion—itching or pain leads to licking/scratching, which creates a moist, infected wound. Triggers: allergies, fleas, ear infections, matting, moisture. The Dermatology AI offers image analysis. The Dermatology Specialist outlines treatment: Clip hair, clean with antiseptic, topical/oral antibiotics if infected. Address underlying cause. The Microscope AI helps interpret cytology for bacteria/yeast.
Clip hair around the lesion to allow air and topical access. Clean with chlorhexidine or similar. Topical antibiotic/steroid or oral antibiotics if cellulitis. Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma. Identify trigger—flea control, allergy management, ear treatment.
Use Dermatology AI, Dermatology Specialist, and Microscope AI for hot spot evaluation.
- Hot spots = acute moist dermatitis—self-inflicted from itching.
- Clip, clean, treat—hair clipping is essential.
- E-collar prevents further self-trauma.
- Find the trigger—allergies, fleas, ear infection.
- Golden Retrievers are predisposed—often allergy-related.