Acral Lick Granuloma, Canine - contd.
An acral lick granuloma is a lesion, usually located on the distal part of one of the limbs of dogs, which is caused or worsened by the animal's obsessive licking of it. Damaged cells are believed to release pain-relieving endorphins that addict the dog to the licking and mutilation of the lesion.
The possible causes of the itching and licking behavior include boredom, trauma, arthritis or other joint problems, allergies, and skin infection. Often it is difficult to ascertain whether the cause of the lick granuloma is due to an underlying condition or the dog's obsessive licking.
Treatment is usually lengthy and often only minimally effective. Early interventions have the best chance of success. Some animals will respond to medical therapy by maintaining a milder form of the lesion.
