Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/6/2008

Question
My 8 yr. old male German Shepherd has developed a skin condition on the underside of his jaw.  It is slightly warm to touch, appears slightly swollen, and in appearance looks like dry scabs with some redness.  Does not appear infected.  He does not scratch or itch them.  It does seem tender to touch.  It does appear to respond somewhat to an intermittent application of a steroid ointment, but never goes away.  The lesions are now appearing on his upper lips and around his nose.

Answer
Allergies can show up around the mouth and lips. Ask your vet for a dsteroid shot and some antibiotic ointment to put on the lips.  I would use Bactroban.   Sometimes these lip and mouth lesions will clear up if you just change the type of food bowl, especially if his bowl is plastic.  Go to stainless steel bowls or caramic bowls.