Today’s post is part of the Caring for Critters Round Robin.
Please keep in mind, I am not a vet and this is not advice on how to handle a Lick Granuloma, this is just my experience, and what worked or didn’t work for me. Always consult your veterinarian before choosing any course of treatment.
We’ve been battling Lick Granulomas with Sampson for a couple of years now. (I wrote about it HERE, HERE and HERE.)
What is a Lick Granuloma you ask? Web MD defines it this way, “A lick granuloma is an open sore, usually at the ankle or wrist, perpetuated by constant licking. It is seen most often in large, shorthaired dogs such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and bird dogs.” (To read the total definition, click HERE.)
As I said, we’ve been battling the Lick Granulomas for a couple of years now.
A little back story.
At the time of his first Lick Granuloma Sampson was almost eight years old. Our lifestyle is quiet, nothing much had changed except for the occasional visit from small grandchildren. Originally I thought it was a hot spot, but I found out differently. I began dabbing some Witch Hazel on it twice a day and that seemed to help.
At his scheduled vet appointment my vet thought he had a soft tissue injury. He was put on some Gabapentin which also seemed to help. The Lick Granuloma healed up.
The following spring Sampson started at his wrists again. I called the Holistic vet who examined him and felt he had some seasonal allergies and a sluggish liver. He gave me some supplements which helped, but as soon as the supplements ran out, Sampson was back to licking his wrists again.
Back to our vet for a consult who suggested cold laser therapy along with the Gabapentin, once again it seemed to help.
Until he tore his ACL. Since that time the Lick Granulomas come and go.
Since we started him on acupuncture for the sore Iliopsoas muscle and his arthritis, he seems to leave his wrists alone. Once I notice him picking at his wrists, I know it’s time to schedule another session. His yearly examine is coming up next month and I’ll definitely be talking to our vet about this, and getting him on a good joint supplement to help ease his discomfort.
Some theories say that once a dog starts on a Lick Granuloma it can become a habit. There are also thoughts that a dog who is bored will lick.
In Sampson’s case, I suppose it’s possible that the Granuloma has become habit. Although he willing leaves it when I call him off it. I don’t believe he licks out of boredom, if anything his life has become a bit more exciting since his surgery, because his walks have increased from once to twice per day and we vary the walk.
I’m pretty certain Sampson licks when he’s in pain. This is certainly not something we want, which is why we will be continuing the acupuncture as well as finding a good joint supplement.
Tomorrow’s post for the Round Robin will be on Giardia, make sure to check DZ’s Adventures for that post.
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