Pyotraumatic dermatitis

[1] The dog persistently licks, chews, scratches or rubs at a focal area of skin,[2] which quickly causes hair loss.

[4] Commonly affected breeds include the Airedale Terrier, Akita, American Pit Bull Terrier, Basset Hound, Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless Dog), Shiba Inu, and Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican hairless dog)[7] as well as the German Shepherd and St.

[4] There are several aspects to treatment: breaking the "itch-scratch" cycle by clipping the fur and cleaning the skin;[5] addressing the underlying painful or itchy condition which initially caused the animal to begin scratching;[2] and relieving the dog's discomfort, for example with steroid medications.

[3] The dog may require sedation before the fur is clipped, as skin affected by pyotraumatic dermatitis can be painful.

[3] With treatment, pyotraumatic dermatitis resolves in 3–7 days, but can recur if the inciting factor is not addressed.