My 6-year-old whippet has red spots on top of her nose. What's wrong?

Hello. While it is impossible to make any kind of actual diagnosis, a lesion like this most likely has an underlying bacterial cause. We often see isolated & well circumscribed lesions on the top of the nose or muzzle just from the fact dogs stick their noses in dirt or other nasty things all day long. Putting anything on this is not recommended because he will lick it off. You can pick up a skin antiseptic like Hibiclens from any pharmacy & just dab this on a couple of times a day. Once your vet has a chance to look, he may put Luna on oral antibiotics, or take a small sample to look at under the microscope. Other than this, there is no need to worry too much about the lesion. Take care, all the best to Luna & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. This looks like it might be an eosinophilic folliculitis & furunculosis. This is often seen on the snout or bridge of nose of dogs mainly because of how the dig & root around leaf litter & under bushes. The initial cause is usually a small sab wound from a sticker or thorn, or even a bug bite. Most often we need to do some cytology or even a small biopsy to identify what is actually going on. At the very least, Holly needs to be on oral & some topical medications, including antibiotics & possibly some steroids to reduce the inflammation. I do hope you can have her seen & have this looked after at your earliest convenience. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This does look like a skin infection, but we cannot say whether it is bacterial or fungal. Your veterinarian may be able to tell with a quick exam and looking at the area with a special light that can diagnose ringworm fungal infections. In either case, this will be best treated with an oral medication....either antibiotic or antifungal. It is usually unrewarding to try to treat a lesion in this location topically because the dog will usually lick any cream or ointment right off. I would recommend that Neyle see her vet for a diagnosis.

So, there are a number of things this could be. 1) This could be an allergic response to something in her environment or an insect, 2) This could be a fungal or bacterial infection that could be primary OR secondary to trauma or an allergy. Ideally I would do a prep on a slide and look under the microscope to see if there is a significant bacterial or yeast population. Regardless, however, I think she would benefit from some topical treatment depending on what is seen under the microscope. If it seems to be spreading, and the area is swollen, some injectable or oral medications may be indicated.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid rubbing/scratching if any. 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.

From the photos it appears that the lesion is affecting both the mucosa of his nose and also his skin. This could be some sort of deep bacterial infection or perhaps something like ringworm (which humans can get). It is also very concerning however for an autoimmune condition. I recommend to have a Bosco visit his veterinarian with in the next day for an exam. The doctor may try treatment or testing for an infection. The doctor may also recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is needed to diagnose an autoimmune condition. Best of luck. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I am sorry to hear this. Your pet Meeiah has a very raw area that does not look normal or likely to go away on its own. This can be caused by an immune mediated skin condition (lupus) or an abrasion. I would recommend taking Meeiah to your local vet for a consultation. They may try steroid and antibiotic therapy with him as a conservative treatment or do some skin/blood testing first. I hope that things improve soon with Meeiah soon! Best wishes and take care.