About Penny DiLoreto Expertise As a certified veterinary assistant and a dog breeder, with over 16 years of hands on experience, I am qualified to answer questions in the following categories; General pet health issues, dog grooming, puppy socialization, dog breeding, and basic dog training
Experience In accordance with the Veterinary Assistant program requirmements, I completed 200 hours of intern work under the supervision of a licensed Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, and volunteered the Escondido Humane Society
Organizations AKC, ACA, and ABA
Publications I have several articles related to; dog grooming, dog behavior issues, and medical topics, printed on various computer websites and free article content sites. If you would like to preview my articles, links to those sites, and articles, are posted on my website located at www.puppies-dot-com.com
Education/Credentials I have a Certificate of Competency from the San Diego Country Regional Occupational Veterinary Assistant Program, and attained Occupational Competencies in the following categories: Animal Handling and Restraint, Vaccines and Injections, Health and safety, Veterinary Laws/Ethics/Industry Data, Biohazard Waste Disposal Laws, Medicating and Grooming Procedures, Medical Math, Breed Identification, and Parasitological studies.
Awards and Honors I received an Outstanding Student Award for my accomplishments in these studies from the ROP program.
Past/Present Clients A partial listing of my past and current clients can be viewed on my website www.puppies-dot-com.com by clicking on the Testimonial Page.
Expert: Penny DiLoreto Date: 3/12/2008 Subject: Golden Retriever Skin irritation
Question We have a golden who every year has "hot spots". She now has developed a chew spot at the top/base of her tail that she is chewing and causing her to be sore. I spray cortesone on it, but it still seems to bother her. Do you have any suggestions. I think she is allergic to grass? Is that possible
Answer Hi Janna, I'm sorry to read the your poor Golden is having this problem – I'm sure this is very frustrating for both of you.
Golden Retrievers are very susceptible to pyotraumatic dermatitis or what is commonly known as "hot spots" due to their heavy coats and histories of allergies, Golden Retrievers, living in warm, humid climates, may develop hot spots when they shed their undercoat and the dead hair becomes trapped next to the skin.
Other common causes of hot spots can include; ear infections, flea dermatitis, full or irritated anal sacs,and poor grooming.
Areas of the body where an infected dog is biting or licking is normally the area first detected, however; other areas (ones the dog can't reach to bite or lick) can also be infected such as; the ears, neck and chest.
Veterinary dermatologist Lowell Ackerman recommends the following treatment in his book Skin and Haircoat Problems in Dogs:
A. Trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the
infection and expose the edges of the lesion;
B. Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic.
Ackerman recommends against the use of ointments or creams because they can seal in the infection and hinder recovery. In severe cases, a veterinarian may suggest the use of an Elizabethan collar to prevent mutilation and give the spot a chance to heal.
Good Luck, and please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Penny D.
