Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/8/2010

Question
My 5 yr. old border collie/aussie mix has elbow bald patches, which look red and sore like dry flaky skin - can I do anything like natural remedy for this...is it normal?
Also I noticed a small pimple on her arm - it's a little bit pinkish red and quite firm to the touch...I can't squeeze it....is this normal?  what should i do ? thanks Lori

Answer
It is common for the elbows to get sore and ulcerated if the dog is laying on a hard surface, like concrete.  There is a bony protuberance under the skin that presses into the flesh when the dog lays on the elbow. Soft bedding will help this heal. It is very hard to keep a bandage on a dog's elbow.

Some dogs will get sarcoptic mange in the elbow area and that will cause itching and rubbing, often resulting in ulceration of the skin over the elbows.