Can Dogs Get Keloids? Yes And yes It’s Dangerous
When you’re a pet owner, the answer to this question should be a resounding “yes.” But the reality is that it’s actually quite rare that a dog develops a keloid.
Can Dogs Get Keloids?
We have all seen images of the classic “dog skin condition”: the “keloid.” These large, raised scars typically appear on the face, neck or back of the dog and can be unsightly, painful and cause a great deal of discomfort to the animal.
But how do dogs actually get these conditions? And what are the best ways to treat them?
It’s estimated that up to 2% of dogs will develop some form of skin problem called keloid scars.
Keloid Scars in Dogs
Scars appear as a result of the healing process. Except for the tiniest incisions, they develop in practically all wounds. Keloid scars are not hazardous to dogs, although they do cause them discomfort.
What Is a Keloid Scar?
What Do Keloid Scars Look Like?
How Keloid Scars Affect a Dog
How Keloid Scars Differ From Other Scars
How to Help Your Dog’s Scar Heal
It might be the result of another dog biting your dog during a high-intensity dog park wrestling bout. It might be the result of surgery. It might be the result of previous mistreatment.
A scar on your dog can be upsetting for a variety of reasons. It may bring up memories of a traumatic event or a terrifying surgery. A scar can be annoying or even painful for your dog in some situations, and scratching might result in a secondary illness or damage.
If your dog is hurt, the best method to avoid scarring is to have the wound properly treated.
Here are several methods for preventing, minimizing, and treating scars.
Proper Treatment
A significant wound that might cause scarring should be treated by a veterinarian in the majority of situations. Only a doctor can tell if the wound requires suturing. The area around the wound will most likely need to be shaved and cleansed carefully. Tell your veterinarian if scarring is an issue for you. Scarring can be minimized or even prevented by using tiny stitches, subcutaneous, or dissolving stitches.
Wear a cone or an e-collar after treatment. It may irritate your dog, but it will keep him from scratching and tearing stitches out. One will be sent home with you by your veterinarian. If you can’t stand the plastic version of the cone of shame, there are other options. Regardless of the cone you choose, keep an eye on your dog to make sure he can’t get to the injury.
Be Vigilant
Keep a watchful eye on your dog’s incision while it heals. Redness, discharge, discoloration, stench, and swelling are all signs of infection. If you see any of the symptoms, contact your veterinarian. If the wound seems to be infected, don’t try to treat it yourself.
Your vet may prescribe prednisone or another corticosteroid to relieve swelling and inflammation, or recommend you to try Bacitracin or Neosporin first.
Infections raise the risk of scarring and are frequently uncomfortable. An infection might spread through your dog’s bloodstream and make him very sick. If an abscess develops, it may require surgical treatment. Prevent problems and scarring by catching an infection early.
If you can keep your dog from licking or biting the wound, it will almost certainly start to heal.
The Healing Process
In most circumstances, a wound or incision will be almost healed following surgery or therapy in roughly 2 weeks. After around 3 weeks, a scar will appear.
At this stage, you may start treating the scar instead than the wound. MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a supplement that some veterinarians suggest. This sulfur component, which is derived from kelp, can help minimize the amount of scar tissue produced by the dog’s body at the wound site.
Your veterinarian will be able to determine the correct dosage for your dog. You may also apply an MSM cream to keep the skin supple and hydrated.
Vaseline, Aquaphor, and Vitamin E are among other items that may assist to minimize scarring (break the capsules open and apply the oil). There are also natural moisturizers available. Supplementing with fish oil can help hair regrow to cover the scar, but only if the hair follicles haven’t been harmed.
Some canines will scar more easily than others. Lighter-colored canines may have more pigment in their scar tissue as they recover. Short-haired breeds will have more visible scars. Scars on the muzzle, for example, can be rather noticeable.
When to be Concerned
In some situations, a scar will need to be treated by a veterinarian. Dogs, like people, can develop keloids, which are elevated, lumpy patches made primarily of collagen. This sort of scar can sometimes be uncomfortable or annoying to a dog. Your veterinarian can remove the extra tissue in the event of a keloid. This alleviates your dog’s suffering.
Keloids can turn into deadly tumors called malignant fibrosarcomas, which your veterinarian can remove in the worst-case scenario.
Even if your dog develops a visible scar, it will annoy you far more than it will your dog. Consider it a badge of honor.
Conclusion – can dogs get keloid scars
Scars may require further veterinarian treatment in some cases. Keloid fibromas are lumpy regions of the skin that have accumulated collagen throughout the healing process. These areas can irritate or even hurt your dog, and they can turn into malignant fibrosarcomas in some cases.
The extra tissue of keloid fibromas can be removed by your veterinarian, considerably lowering your dog’s suffering and diminishing the scar’s unsightliness. Vitiligo can cause skin and hair to regrow white over a wound in dogs. The disease is safe, however if it bothers you, talk to your veterinarian about darkening remedies.
Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s food, medication, or exercise program. This material is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian.
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