cutter81

I have a 7 month old Lab. Today I went out back to check on him and noticed that he had a swollen and bloody spot on his neck. He had the same thing in early November. I thought at first it was a snake bite, but my vet said it was a hot spot. What causes this? It is kinda unusual because I've never ran into this problem before. What is even worse is that we just returned from a hunting trip 3 days ago, the same as in November. Do you think it could be something in the water he is getting in? What else causes this. My vet said it is just a place that itched real bad and he straches it non-stop. Anybody else seen this problem.

Idaho Elk Hunter

When I lived in Virginia I had the problem often during the summer. Summers were hot and humid without rain most of the time. When we did get rain is when I saw the problem. I thinks anything that may start them itching may cause hot spots. Fleas. poison ivy-oak, sand on skin and especially flea. If the dog breaks the skin then bacteria get in and bam. When it first started before opened it up I would use absorbine Jr. but I dont think I would want to use it on an open sore. Also I found that topical peroxide helped. Bathe dog weekly and add peroxide to ther rinse water. Always good to have antibiotics on hand. When I was a breeder in Virginia my vet would keep me stocked with a large assortment of items for treating such problems.

Try this and you may find some more causes and cures. Im surprised the vet didnt give you something for it.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hot+spot+treatment&btnG=Goo gle+Search

http://www.adoptagolden.com/k9stuff/vetcorner/hotspot.htm

cutter81

My vet gave him a shot and a prescription of Chepelexin 500mg. They also shaved the area.This is the same thing they gave me in NOvember and it went away in about 1 1/2 weeks. I give him a bath once evry 2 weeks so it shouldn't be the fleas. I was kust trying to get an idea of some other things that cause this.

AlaskaMagnum

Do you keep an e-collar on him? If you do, you need to turn the collar's position every hour or so, or the points will wear sores on the dog's neck.

cutter81

I do keep an e-collar on him. When he got the hot spot in November he did not wear an e-collar. He has been wearing one about a month now though. I try to keep it loose enough so that it won't do that.

Scott/IL

One of my dogs get them every now and then from his collar. When wechange his collar and give him some type of medicine (not sure on the name) it goes away.