Dog Community

Something wrong with the elbows?

Posted : 8/19/2006 9:15:10 PM

On my dogs front legs, the 'elbow' part of both legs is just dry and cracked skin with no fur on it. I have no idea what casued this, possibly because he is overweight and when he gets up in my backyard from laying down it irriitates them? My backyard is cement. Anywho...I don't know if this is a skin condition or not but is there a way to treat it so that the skin heals and the fur comes back?

Here is a picture...it is like this on both legs.

glenmar

Posted : 8/20/2006 7:10:08 AM

This isn't uncommon especially in larger dogs. That's typically where my shepherds will get a little baldish spot and thats from laying of the floors. The best product I know to use is bag balm to heal up the dryness/cracking skin, but this looks a bit infected so you probably need to use an antibiotic cream. I'd likely get that checked by the vet tho....skin infections CAN get into the body and cause nasty problems.

jjsmom06

Posted : 8/20/2006 10:49:22 AM

Glenda is 100% dead on. . . elbow problems like this are caused by lying down on hard surfaces. Greyhounds that come off the track all have this and we use bag balm on them (great for human elbows too!) [

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I would definately get this checked though because this is a pretty severe case and there might be some infection. With time much of the hair will probably grow back.

get your guy something "cushy" to lay on outside so it doesn't get worse or reoccur after you start treating it!

cakana

Posted : 8/20/2006 2:45:08 PM

Just wanted to add that although I think it's fairly common too, it could be a thyroid problem, and the fact that he's overweight might be one more sign. I'd definitely suggest getting a full thyroid panel done. My lab had those last year (and was overweight). Once we put her on thyroid meds, her elbows cleared up and she dropped weight.

jjsmom06

Posted : 8/20/2006 11:48:51 PM

excellent observation Cathy. Worth a check with the vet!

mondayblues

Posted : 8/21/2006 9:28:47 PM

My dog had that one of her elbows, although hers was much bigger (but it wasn't as white). I brought her to the vet, and the vet found the traces of a fungal infection on it. I put the medicated cream on her, and it's looking much better now, although it's still bald. I believe Vaseline can help smoothen it up too.