Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma) in an Adult Male Labrador Retriever Dog

Abstract

Introduction: Acral lick dermatitis is a skin injury commonly noticed in dogs with obsessive licking behavior. The lesions are usually noticed on the distal extremities which become raised, thickened, and plaque-like.  

Case report: A five-year-old male Labrador retriever dog was presented to the Small Animal Medicine Unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER), Puducherry, India, with a history of a superficial wound on the metatarsal region of the right hind limb with bleeding and continuous licking since a month. Clinical examination of the lesion showed a nodular eczematous lesion of 2 cm thickness, while other vital parameters were normal. Based on the licking behavior and other investigations, the skin lesions were diagnosed as acral lick dermatitis. Treatment included the application of Ointment Triamcinolone acetonide (topically) for a month. The licking was controlled using E-collar, and the dog was engaged in playful activities to overcome boredom. The lesion regressed completely within a month and hence was treated uneventfully.

Conclusion: Diagnosis and identifying the root cause of the skin disorder can determine the course of treatment. Topical application of corticosteroids (triamcinolone acetonide) and methods, such as E-collar, to control the licking behavior, helped the animal’s recovery.