What is a "Hot Spot"?

[bumhouse]

and what causes them?

Colt has a spot on his hind leg, about an inch long, that he keeps chewing at today. He doesn't want me to touch it. I do not recall an injury and he is not limping but this is definitely a sensitive spot. He keeps licking at it.

Could this be a hot spot? Should I see the vet tom.?

 

[bubbatd]

Most hot spots are because of a flea or tick bite . They start with a raw circle and radiate . Yours being in length could be something else . I'd clip off any "icky " hair and get air to it ....then off to the vet . Try to keep him from licking . I used a medicare powder on one of my fosters , which helped . Let us know !

 

[bumhouse]

Oh, OK. Good, this is not a hot spot then. No icky hair though. Just a staight line. Maybe he caught it on something and I didn't see it. Maybe while in the crate? I had to leave him for the day yesterday (about 6 hours). I thought maybe he was overly anxious about being left that long and was licking or biting (but it's the hind lef - not a convenient spot for that). He's not fussing with it this morning but I will call the vet none the less.
Thanks......

PS - but what cause a hot spot? Isn't that food or too much protein or something? He eats canidae.

 

[bubbatd]

It's from the bite from a flea or tick most of the time .