Canine Acral Lick Granuloma | Minor Aural Lick Dermatitis | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Probiotic Spray MicroMed

DESCRIPTION:

Once this condition has presented, there can be one or more than one lesion arise.  The area may become hyper pigmented, or darkened skin on the lesion and depending on the progression of the condition, the centre will often be moist and inflamed, sometimes with an ulcer or covered with a scab. There is a higher prevalence in male dogs older than five years although this condition can manifest in any breed and age or gender.  Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible including Doberman Pinshers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Labradors, German Shepherds and Great Danes. The cause could be bacterial or fungal initially creating the itch, or mites can be implicated, or it can even begin with boredom in the dog whereby psychogenic or obsessive licking is present, negating a resolve. A component of this cycle is the endorphin (the 'feel good' brain chemical) release upon licking, that makes the dog feel better.   

SYMPTOMS:

If your dog is continually licking a particular area, without respite it seems, and often on the front of the lower leg, rendering it unable to heal, and continuing the cycle of itching-licking and minor discomfort, this is aural lick dermatitis.  

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT:

Cortico-steroids are often employed initially however if the condition does not resolve testing should be undertaken to investigate whether there is a deeper, underlying cause.

MicroMed Note: Acral lick granuloma or aural lick dermatitis is a sign of a system out of balance.  If we determine where this imbalance originates it is likely to have begun in the gut, through a process of microbial alteration, leading to inflammation, low immunity and possibly this in turn leading to a Leaky Gut, also known as Intestinal Permeability.  This is where the gut becomes too permeable and substances that should not gain access to the bloodstream do so and this in turn sets up an accumulating immune reaction.  It is little wonder that aural lick granuloma or dermatitis are evident when there are so many animals with such compromised gastro-intestinal tracts.  Re-establishment of microbial balance is necessary, to help reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity and restore equilibrium.  Studies show that microbial balance can now positively affect whole body health - or disease - so it may be wise to commence MicroMed's Acute Care Probiotic, for a period of two months to re-establish the correct balance of microbes and to deter detrimental organisms from taking hold.