Inflammation of the elbow callus in a dog. Corns on the elbows in dogs: causes and how to treat. Treatment of advanced calluses in dogs

On veterinary forums and fan sites labrador retriever breed Very often the problem of bald patches, growths and calluses in the elbow areas of charming dogs comes up. Many consider this to be a minor illness, a purely aesthetic problem (it doesn’t seem to interfere with the pet’s life)…

Veterinary dermatologists hold a completely different point of view: any deviations from the established breed standard are a reason to contact the clinic for consultation with a specialized specialist. Bald spots and calluses on the elbows of a purebred dog can signal serious skin pathologies and an impending series of dangerous diseases.

Sores on the elbows of a Labrador , is the result of the carelessness and laziness of the owner: modern pet therapy amazes with an arsenal of effective methodologies that allow you to stop any ailment, painlessly and effectively solve the widest range of skin ailments of toothy pets.

Pathogenesis

Owners very often ignore the condition of their pet’s elbow joints, making an appointment with a veterinarian only in crisis (emergency) situations. People simply forget that timely contact with a specialist and high-quality diagnosis greatly increases the effectiveness of therapy and allows:

monitor the course of the disease;
effectively predict the dynamics and development of the disease;
provide quality treatment.

Bald spots (bald spots) in a Labrador arise for a number of reasons: consider the basic mechanics of the origin and development of a skin defect:

Hard bed for sleeping

While resting, massive and rather heavy Labradors (especially males) thin (injure) the delicate skin and fur on the elbow joints on hard surfaces. The main hardships occur in the summer heat, when the dog (seeking coolness) actively moves and “collapses/falls” to the floor. Synthetic carpets (carpets), linoleums, parquets and ceramic tiles “sandpaper” through the pet’s coat, deforming the skin and coat. Calluses form on the elbows and hocks, and sometimes bald spots appear on the sternum.

Predisposition

Scuffs and injuries to the elbows are the result of poor heredity. All retrievers, and Labradors in particular, are prone to joint and cartilage dysfunction. Excess weight (Labradors are known gluttons) also contributes to the “disease-causing mill”: a large mass increases pressure on the place where bald spots and calluses originate.

The lack of hormones that regulate the elasticity and firmness of the dermis also contributes to baldness of the elbows and the appearance of hardened growths with darkening and roughness.

Improper feeding

Deficiency of microelements and vitamins provokes destruction of the skin and coat. If there is a shortage of vital components of the diet, the overall tone of the pet collapses, the skin and fur, unable to withstand the mechanical influence of the environment, degrade.

Skin pathologies

Scuffs and keratinized areas on the elbow joints of a Labrador Retriever - primary symptoms of dermatitis, hygroma (cystic benign formation) and other skin diseases.

It all depends on the type and condition of the elbow formations: bleeding ulcers, purulent cracks, swelling and callus seals signal a serious pathology. And if hard growths cause pain to the dog, the pet simply needs to be urgently shown to an expert dermatologist.

Medication and proper grooming will stop the disease and bring the Labrador's coat back to normal. The expert Labrador community strongly recommends: you should not ignore the “first signs” and put off the decision “until later” - only in the early stages of the development of the disease can a complete cure be achieved.

Calluses , bald patches and hardening of the elbow joints dogs labrador breed - in most cases, they are a cosmetic burden that does not pose a danger to the life and health of the animal. Defects in the exterior (aesthetics of appearance) worry the owner, not the pet.

But similar symptoms coexist with many skin diseases (acariasis, atopic dermatitis, bacterial and fungal infections). It is important for the owner of a Labrador to be able to distinguish contact abrasions and calluses from serious skin pathologies, and only by correctly interpreting the situation, smear Labrador's elbows medicines and drugs. In any case, you should see a dermatologist, undergo a series of tests and tests, and only then take the recommended course of therapy.

Summing up

Calluses on elbows in Labradors This is a serious problem that requires a thoughtful approach. Labrador's elbows - area of special attention, weak point retriever breeds

Many owners notice various growths in the elbow area of their pets. In most cases, these are ordinary calluses. However, this does not mean that they cannot cause the development of serious diseases. Currently, there are many effective ways to get rid of this problem painlessly and in a timely manner; you just need to consult a veterinarian.

Reasons and what could it be?

Professional dog breeders have repeatedly wondered why their beloved pets develop unpleasant calluses? One of the main reasons is hard sleeping surface. Typically, the ulna bones are in constant contact with the ground. While resting or following commands, the dog comes into close contact with the hard surface of the ground or floor, thereby thinning the delicate skin. This problem is common among large dogs and, in particular, males. This is due to the fact that their bodies contain fewer female hormones responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Therefore, the larger the animal, the greater the likelihood of callus formation.

As dog breeders have noticed, over time, areas in the elbow area begin to go bald, then growths appear in the form of hardened skin with darkening and roughness.

In fact, some calluses may be the primary symptoms of a dangerous disease such as callus dermatitis.

When examining a dog, special attention should be paid to the appearance of the ulnar plaques. The presence of bloody ulcers, ulcers, swelling or tissue compactions may indicate that this is a more serious pathology. In this case, the pet must be immediately shown to the veterinarian, especially if touching the growths causes discomfort or pain to the animal.

One of the most common causes of calluses on the elbows in dogs may be hygroma. In most cases, the disease appears in the summer. Unlike callosal dermatitis, hygroma is treated quite quickly. Special medications and proper care will relieve swelling and normalize the skin in the area of the elbow joints.

Another cause of calluses in dogs is poor nutrition and lack of vitamins A, E, D in the body. As a rule, a pet's diet should be rich in healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates, the absence of which can lead to roughening of the skin, hair loss, and the formation of growths in the area of the elbow bones. You should not ignore the primary manifestations of calluses, since in the early stages of the development of the disease you can achieve complete disappearance of the problem.

What to do?

Of course, the right decision would be visit to the veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate or test various anti-inflammatory ointments and more serious medications on an animal. Also, during an independent examination, you should not destroy the surface of the callus, this can lead to a serious inflammatory process and also cause pain to your pet. The growths on the elbows should be examined exclusively by a qualified specialist who will be able to distinguish a callus from dermatitis, hygroma or some other more dangerous disease.

The only thing that is required from the owners is to adhere to the veterinarian’s recommendations, and also to provide the pet with a softer place to sleep, which will not injure existing growths from contact with the elbows.

Treatment

Some owners, unfortunately, ignore the presence of calluses in their pets, believing that there is nothing wrong with them. In fact, elbow growths require careful care and treatment, since any damage can turn a simple callus into dermatitis, the treatment of which is ten times more difficult. To prevent this, it is advisable for the dog teach you to sleep on a soft surface. It is much easier to do this from the first months of life than when the animal has grown up and is accustomed to sleeping on a hard floor. However, it is worth trying to avoid repeated relapses.

If calluses do form, you should balance your pet's diet. You can start with vegetable fats. For example, it will be of great benefit flaxseed or olive oil, which can be added to food once a day. Depending on the size of the dog, the amount of oil will vary. For example, very small dogs can be given half a teaspoon per day, larger pets can double the portion, and for large breeds - at least one tablespoon per day. This fatty product normalizes the functioning of the stomach, liver, and improves the condition of the skin and coat. During the cool season, pets can be given fish oil in capsules, no more than 15 days per season. In case of problems in the digestive system or the presence of inflammatory processes, you should stop taking oil products and immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

A proper diet should be varied. You can ensure the health of your beloved pet and rid it of calluses with the help of red fish. Pink salmon, trout and salmon will enrich the animal body with all the necessary components. However, when giving your dog fish, you should exclude all bones, as they can get stuck in the esophagus or injure the stomach, which can lead to dire consequences. To treat calluses on the elbows, the dog’s diet should also include cottage cheese and raw eggs.

In addition to a proper balanced diet rich in vitamins and vegetable fats, the treatment of calluses cannot be done without appropriate medications. Depending on the condition of the growths, these can be various antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ointments that will remove wounds and cracks formed on calluses, swelling and pain symptoms. These include: Radevit (helps eliminate inflammation, softens and moisturizes the skin, enhances its protective properties, relieves itching), Rescuer cream, Levomekol, Malavit, compresses with Dimexide (excellent antiseptics, help the wound heal faster). Before use, you need to treat the callus with Chlorhexidine, and only then apply an antiseptic. But do not forget that the use of drugs should be clearly agreed with the veterinarian.

Mostly, calluses develop in the elbow and hock joints (back legs). These calluses are dry, scaly, hairless and hard. Some are dark brown and black, and some are grey; it depends on the dog's skin and how long he has had the callus. Just like in humans, dog calluses are caused by the skin being in contact with something hard for an extended period of time, over time it becomes rough, cracked and sometimes requires veterinary attention. What are calluses on the elbows in dogs and what treatment is applicable to them can be read below.

Some pet owners consider dog calluses to be inherently pathological, but experts have different opinions. In some cases, the hardened tissue becomes additional protection for the elbow tendons. If calluses are left untreated, they crack and bleed, resulting in lesions (pain). If a pressure ulcer is left untreated, it is more likely to become infected. If calluses are oozing or bleeding, it is best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any problems.

Calluses are usually not a serious problem, but they can develop into ulnar hygromas. Initially, a callus on the elbow may form to protect the elbow from injury, but excessive and repeated stress on the joint can lead to a fluid-filled growth called an ulnar hygroma. With any luck, the hygroma will go away on its own within a few weeks if the dog has soft bedding and a small area. However, if the growth becomes infected, the veterinarian will need to drain the exudate from it.

Callus dermatitis is also common. Most often, they overcome dogs of large breeds, since in this case the pressure on the elbows is much stronger, but individuals with short legs sometimes suffer from the disease. If your dog has short hair, he is even more susceptible to the disease. This type of dermatitis in dogs differs from ordinary calluses in that when the surface of the callus cracks, an infection enters the microcracks, which, without timely intervention, can severely damage the skin. Purulent fistulas, boils, and ulcers may form. This will cause a lot of inconvenience for the dog, plus it can lead to blood poisoning or an abscess.

Therapy for callus dermatitis is also aimed at softening and healing, but requires the help of antibiotics. This type of disease is completely cured no earlier than after 2-3 months, and it is necessary to constantly show the dog to a doctor. The doctor will examine the pathological material to understand how the therapy is progressing. At home, you can use ointments against bacteria, which your doctor will recommend. Self-medication in such a situation can only delay the process and allow the infection to spread.

Therapy

Preventing calluses from forming on your dog's elbows is a long process. Lying on soft bedding or carpets can help prevent blisters, but some dogs prefer the cool tiles of any expensive orthopedic bed, especially during the warmer months. During the colder months, calluses often disappear because dogs prefer to lie on warmer, softer bedding.

Luckily, there are many medications for elbow calluses that can help. Today, oil is one of the most effective remedies. You can take almost any known oil or make a mixture of several. Good for therapy:

sunflower;
olive;
apricot;
linseed oil.

Vegetable oil can additionally be mixed into your dog’s food.

The oil is rubbed into the affected area several times a day for one month. Even if you rub the oil twice a day, the result will be visible after a week. This method is completely safe, because the treatment uses natural products that can be absorbed by the dog when licked.

Therapy using Vaseline is another proven method. Vaseline will quickly soften the affected area. Apply Vaseline generously to your dog's calluses and rub in thoroughly. Massaging and rubbing the product into calluses is an important point. It is necessary to penetrate into the structure of the callus, and not just touch its surface. Apply every 12 hours for a week, and then the affected area is additionally treated with Vaseline to soften and completely heal.

Using Vaseline can leave an unpleasant aftertaste because the dog's elbows will stain the furniture at home, leaving greasy marks. Therefore, it is better to cover the lubricated area with a bandage. The low price and effectiveness of the product will help you set priorities.

Coconut oil is a good remedy for softening and healing calluses. It is necessary to rub it into the affected area for 2-3 minutes. The downside may be that the dog will want to lick such a delicious-smelling product. Again, a bandage will help. Vitamin E has a similar effect and is widely used for home therapy. These products also soften calluses in animals well.

No matter what product you use, start moisturizing your dog's elbow calluses as early as possible for faster results.

Preventive measures

For prevention you can:

review the dog’s diet so that it includes less fatty foods, which lead to obesity and, accordingly, pressure on the elbows;
soften the litter;
wear softening devices on the elbows;
lubricate high pressure areas on the legs with cream.

If you train your dog to sleep on something soft, such problems may simply not arise.

Hello, friends, today we’ll talk about calluses on dogs’ elbows, why they appear and what you can do on your own.
I show what calluses look like using the example of one dog, watch the video, it’s at the end of the article.

The main causes of calluses

1. Hard floor without bedding.
2. Predisposition, the problem is more common in large dogs.
3. Incorrect feeding.

Now let's take a closer look.

Hard floor. Typically, calluses on the elbows appear in dogs living in an apartment where they do not use carpeting, mainly linoleum, parquet, laminate or tile.

Exacerbations appear in the summer, with the arrival of heat, the dog seeks coolness, often moves from place to place and “flops” on the floor, while hitting its elbows on a hard surface.

Calluses can form on one elbow joint, on both elbows at once, or on the elbows and hocks. In simple terms they say on the heels or on the hind legs (to make it clearer). Sometimes bald spots appear on the chest.

This selective appearance of changes on the skin is associated with the dog’s habit - it depends on which side he likes to sleep on.

I noticed that if a dog is taken out of town (to the country) for a long period of time or on a trip where it spends a lot of time in nature, the calluses disappear completely or at least become smaller.

In nature, the dog moves more, there is more sun, less hard flooring, which has a positive effect on health in general and on the skin in particular.

Predisposition. Calluses on the elbows often appear in large and medium-sized breeds: Labradors, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Cona Corsa, Alabai... and rarely in small ones, although they can also occur.
More weight puts more pressure on the area of skin where the callus forms.

Improper feeding and indigestion. Almost any deficiency of microelements, vitamins or nutrients can lead to impaired skin function.

If there is a lack of “something”, the skin will not be able to withstand mechanical stress so well, its elasticity, firmness and other functions will decrease.

By “something” I mean: vitamins, microelements, proteins, fats... that is, any substance the body needs.

Most often, the skin suffers from a lack of B vitamins and zinc. Of course, other organs and tissues suffer, but the skin is the first to react to a deficiency of these substances, so damage occurs more easily.

Even with a well-balanced diet, a deficiency can occur when there is indigestion and some of the vitamins, microelements... pass through in transit.

How to get rid of calluses on a dog?

Let's organize a place where the dog can rest, and make sure that he does not lie down on the bare floor. A rug or a lounger, which you can buy or make yourself, is suitable for this.

We teach the dog to lie on the mat. This can be difficult especially in summer when it is hot. A dog, in search of coolness, will switch to tiles, linoleum, laminate...

How to deal with the heat? The most effective method is air conditioning, the main thing is to follow the rules of use, that is, do not make too sudden changes and do not allow the dog to lie under the flow of cold air.

You can buy a special mat with gel inside, which absorbs heat when pressed.

You can ventilate and do wet cleaning, you can use a fan, but again with caution. That is, I am writing things that everyone knows, everyone knows how to deal with the heat. The task is to create a comfortable temperature so that the dog feels comfortable lying not on the bare floor, but on the rug.

An alternative to accustoming to soft bedding is the use of elbow pads. Yes, you can use them, but in practice it is not very convenient.

Analyzing the diet, if necessary, we adjust, if necessary, add vitamins and minerals, or change the food... We strive to ensure that the dog receives everything it needs and at the same time there is no excess.

Obviously, I've deviated a little from the topic of calluses, but digestive disorders can occur due to worms, foreign objects, liver disease... which will ultimately affect the functions of the skin. There are various options to consider.

The goal is that the dog should receive everything it needs for normal functioning.

Local treatments. To soften the skin in areas where calluses have formed, I usually use sea buckthorn oil or fish oil. You need to rub it into the skin several times a day. There is one negative point - sea buckthorn oil leaves bright orange stains, so the dog can stain furniture, carpets...

Also, an ointment for treating the udder of cows, “Cream – Emulsion D”, gives good results; I talked about it in the article.

To remove “old” calluses, when dense, rough skin has formed, salicylic ointment, sold in a regular human pharmacy, helps.

In addition to treating the callus with ointments, you need to remove ingrown hairs; they often lead to inflammation. To do this, it is convenient to use tweezers or just your fingers.

Before treating your dog's calluses

Calluses on a dog’s elbows are a cosmetic problem; they do not pose a danger to the life and health of the animal. Bald patches on the elbows are more of a concern for the owner than for the dog.

But some diseases may appear with similar symptoms: demodicosis, fungal skin lesions, neoplasms and others. Therefore, it is important to distinguish calluses from other disorders.

It takes a long time for a callus to form, and this does not affect the general condition of the animal. And we observe changes on the skin only in places of friction (pressure).

If bald patches on the elbows appear suddenly and quickly spread, if there are changes in other areas of the skin, if the general condition of the dog has changed, then most likely these are not calluses.

If you doubt whether these are calluses or not, then first see a doctor and then begin treatment.