Red Scan things on Stomach

[SecretAgent]

Today was springer spaniel was playing around in the mud, and as I was hosing him off I noticed a ton of red, scabby, almost circular things all over his stomach. Knowing how prone springers are to skin problems...has anybody seen anything like these? I'm posting pictures, sorry for poor quality, he was moving.

http://tinypic.com/ehew74.jpg

http://tinypic.com/ehewlj.jpg

http://tinypic.com/ehewqs.jpg

http://tinypic.com/eheww3.jpg

http://tinypic.com/ehewzm.jpg

[Dax]

They look like infections that Dax had ( I think from dirty water). The vet prescribed panalon cream which worked well.

I think a trip to the vet to identify them properly would be good

[doglady]

I can't tell for sure, but it almost looks like the hotspots my collie gotten long ago. Here is some info on hot spots... But I would have it checked by a vet anyway to be sure.

Hot spots are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance. They are generally circular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, may exude a smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy, causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self-mutilation. Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.
These troublesome sores can seem to arise in a matter of hours with no warning, but they do tend to follow a pattern that helps in predicting their occurrence.

Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, flea infestations, irritated **** sacs, and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats, but any dog can develop this infection. Dogs in warm, humid climates may develop hot spots when they shed their undercoats if the dead hair is trapped next to the skin, and dogs with behavior problems may mutilate themselves by licking and thus encourage an infection to become established.

The most common locations for hot spots are the legs and feet, flanks, and rump — areas that can be reached by licking or biting — but these localized infections can also appear on ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.

Treatment

Two approaches are neccessary for dealing with hot spots: treat the sore and remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences.

Veterinary dermatologist Lowell Ackerman recommends the following treatment in his book Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs:

• trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection and expose the edges of the lesion;
• wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic;
• be prepared to use antibiotics or cortisone if the washing does not give results.

Ackerman recommends against the use of ointments or creams because they can seal in the infection and hinder recovery. In severe cases, a veterinarian may suggest the use of an Elizabethan collar to prevent mutilation and give the spot a chance to heal.

Prevention

If the underlying cause is tangled or matted hair or trapped dead hair, put the dog on a regular grooming schedule either at home or at a grooming salon. Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Shih-Tzus, and other breeds with long hair that tangles easily should be groomed at least twice a week so that snarls and mats do not form. Never bathe a dog with matted or tangled hair — comb the snarls out first. Clip mats if you cannot easily comb them out, and make an appointment for professional grooming every four-to-six weeks if you cannot keep the dog mat-free on your own.

If the underlying cause is allergies, begin an aggressive campaign to rid your home and yard of fleas and work with your veterinarian on a plan to reduce allergy triggers for your pet. Household dust, plant pollen, lawn chemicals, and diet can all cause allergies or can build to a crescendo of allergies if the dog's sensitivities cross a threshhold. Frequent vacuuming, supplements to keep the skin and coat healthy, air purifiers, and baths in skin-soothing herbal or medicated shampoos with aloe, oatmeal, jojoba, or eucalyptus can help. Next step is over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Atarax — with a veterinarian's approval. If these don't work, then steroids to reduce the inflammation and the immune system reaction to the allergen and perhaps antibiotics to cure the infected hot spot are the next course of treatment.

If the underlying cause seems to be behavioral — if your pet doesn't have allergies or fleas or a more serious skin condition, but is so bored, stressed, or lonely that he maims himself with constant licking or scratching, he may need more exercise, playtime, and attention. This can be the easiest or the hardest treatment to implement because there's no pill or ointment for long-term success; the requirements are time, consistency, and perhaps an investment in training books, an obedience school, a dog sitter, or an animal behaviorist.

[whimzikal]

They do look infected. I'd ask the vet to be sure what type it is and how best to correct it. You'll probably end up with an antibacterial cream-this should be a cheap visit

[Dobified]

Those aren't very good pics. Can you post better, clearer ones ?

[Luvmyjob]

Appears to be some sort of possible bacterial infection. I have seen many different types,(I was a vet. asst.) Need to make a trip to doggy Dr. They will probably do a skin culture, prescribe antibiotic,medicated shampoo and possibly some cream. Good luck.

[mara]

Mara used to get red spots and pimply things on her belly after running through the brush at the dike. The vet said if I left them alone they would probably turn into Staph infection. Staph is probably one of the easiest infections to treat. I'd be off to the vet with your pup in case it is some other problem. The way I have been able to avoid any further belly irritations and infections is to wipe her off with a damp cloth with antiseptic soap on it after she has been running through tall grass/brush.