Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/13/2010

Question
Hi,
I have a chocolate lab who gave birth to 10 puppies on Wednesday night. Last night and this morning we have noticed a 3 inch patch of skin which is red and the fur has come off. She licks it a lot and it looks quite sore. We have tried to apply a zinc based cream to the area but she licks it straight off and doesn't want us to touch it ( understandable I know). Could it be a bed sore, as it is on the side that she lay on when whelping? Is there anything we can do to help it heal quicker?

Many Thanks

Liz

Answer
This is most likely a hot spot.  That is an acute area of inflammation.  Rather than using a zinc creme, try using a steroid based creme.  If it is very mosit, then you might want to use a steroid powder instead. YOur vet may even give a steroid shot and shave the area.