Why does my puppy have a growing, scaly, hairless spot on his ear?

I am sorry to hear about your concern for your pup. This looks like papules or a miliary dermatitis. We could see these from a variety of causes ranging from parasites of the skin such as mites, to allergies, to bacterial infection. If the spots aren't going away on their own in a day or two I would recommend an exam at his vet to help determine the cause of the lesions which will guide the treatment.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Frankie. I would recommend having him see his veterinarian. Dry flaky skin can be the result of an overgrowth of mites that live in the dog's hair follicles or even ringworm. The treatment for these conditions is quite different. There are simple skin tests to diagnose each condition. Other times this area can just indicate dry skin and may not be a concern. However, it is worrisome that the area is growing. I hope this information helps!

I would recommend that Buddy see a vet as soon as possible. The things you have mentioned do not fit with any one disease in my head, but a poor appetite and diarrhea in a puppy are concerns for bacterial or viral infection, including parvo virus. I always recommend evaluation by a vet if diarrhea with poor appetite happen longer than 24 hours. Possible causes include infection, intestinal parasites, intestinal blockage, food allergy, among others. Many of these can also lead to a dull coat. Not being able to stand is unusual in a puppy, but can be caused by infections, intervertebral disc disease, neurologic disease, hypoglycemia, etc.

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

From the picture you provided, it doesn't appear to be ringworm, but as you said I can't say for sure without seeing him. It could be a bit of dry skin, or a scab from a previous injury. I'd just keep an eye on it for now. If it becomes red, gets larger, and/or doesn't go away, then I would have him seen by a vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

I would recommend doing testing on the ears to find out what is causing the scabs. If your pet is outside a lot, then flea bites are possible and it is recommended to purchase flea bite repellent at your local pet store to start, followed by topical triple antibiotic to get the scabs to heal. If your pet is kept mostly indoors, two common causes of this are demodexx mites or a yeast infection. Also another condition called ear margin vasculitis could be the cause. Ear margin vasculitis is a spontaneous condition where the vessels at the ear tip margin become inflamed creating a scabby appearance to the skin. Since all 3 of these look very similar it is important to get testing done in the form of a skin scrape/cytology and/or skin biopsy because each is treated so differently and it takes out a lot of the guess-work. Therefore scheduling an appointment with your vet is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!