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My dog has a pus-filled neck sore. Steroids didn't work. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 15 years and 3 months old | 88 lbs

I I found this on my dogs neck. Vet gave us steroids but it did not go away. It gets covered in pus so we washed it not sure what else to do. The dog doesn’t seem to be in pain even when we washed it. Any idea what it is ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Published on August 16th, 2018

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria - so called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
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