Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/18/2007

Question
Hi!

Our dog has a patch on his neck without hair.  It's red, scabby and irritated.  We thought, at first, it was just a sore from the two dogs playing, as they can sometimes get a little rough with each other.  But the patch is bigger now, and isn't getting any better.  It's in a spot that he can't reach it to chew it.

Any ideas on what this might be and how to treat it?

Thanks!
Rachel

Answer
The neck is a common site for a fungal infection with Malassezia yeasts.  You can try shampooing it with a good antiseborrheic shampoo, but it is probably going to need some steroids and antifungal drugs if it is a yeast infection.  Check with your vet to be sure.