Is it safe to remove the black surface of my dog's lick granuloma?

Question

Hello. Dog has lick granuloma on foreleg. A little smaller than a dime. It started as a staph infection from digging in soil. Now treating with Miconosol 1%. Fur is starting to grow back. Vet wrapping when I'm not home to stop licking. Subcutaneous base is hard, deep and wider than surface area. Question: would it be helpful to remove some of the black suface area to allow frainage of any remaining fluid or infection? Thank you very much. Lisa. Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 72 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

In general, the thick dark base of a lick granuloma is simply thickened tissue. There isn't any fluid or infection to be drained. Removing dried or calloused tissue will make the licking worse and can turn a lick granuloma into something that will never heal. If there is an overgrowth of malassezia (yeast) your vet may recommend topical miconazole, but often once the area is dry, it is best to not apply anything that may contribute to the licking, but instead keep it covered to prevent licking and allow healing. Once the source of irritation (licking) is removed, the body will slowly allow the thickened tissue to thin out and return to normal. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Is it safe to remove the black surface of my dog's lick granuloma?

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