Dog has bald spot on leg, won't stop licking. What's the cause?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old | 180 lbs
My dog has a bald spot on his leg. He occasionally licks and itches it with his teeth, but doesn't act sick. Vet prescribed mupirocin and noivasan solution which didn't work. Tried keeping a cone to prevent licking- he couldn't lick it, but it still didn't work. Vet said they could do a biopsy, but it doesn't look like a tumor. Any ideas what it could be? see photo. Thanks for your help.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 24th, 2018
It looks like a lick granuloma which can be secondary to itching, pain, boredom, stress, OCD. They are commonly treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and bandages or E-collar to prevent licking. If that doesn't work then anti-anxiety medications, like Prozac, can be prescribed to see if that helps. Below is a link with a website with additional information. http://www.skinvetclinic.com/acrallickdermatitis.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 30th, 2019
That is odd. I recommend to have Molly Mae examined by her veterinarian to check her for skin mites and ringworm (which humans can get). Pets can also begin licking their legs in an OCD type fashion but there is not a test to determine this cause. It’s best to rule out the most common conditions first. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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