[Knute]

A question: Is anyone using a colloidal silver as a topical treatment for hot spots or other skin related issues? If so, what product are you using and results.

Shadow, miniature schnauzer, got a hot spot on his right cheek just below his ear. Very sensitive area for hair removal under normal conditions, add in the discomfort of a hot spot......then nearly impossible to get the hair completely removed.

Removed as much hair as I could.
Cleaned with betadine solution diluted in water.
Applied triple antibiotic similar to Neosporin.
This began roughly 7 days ago.

Now, it is scabbed over. I'd like to continue treatment with colloidal silver spray, but so much conflicting information on the web of misinformation.

No, I will not consider an oral dosage. I feel there is too much risk with oral dosage.

 

[parus]

If it's dry and healing already, it seems to me that the goal is just to keep him from scratching on it and causing a recurrence, as scabbed areas can be itchy. At least it's in a spot he can't lick. I'd be more inclined to use something like aloe vera to keep the area from itching than to muck around with colloidal silver. Commercial hot spot remedies also generally contain soothing agents and are formulated so they shouldn't be dangerous if the dog ends up consuming some, which isn't true of all topical treatments.

I've also found topical Vitamin E oil effective when my giant has had dry skin issues, although I suspect that's more the oil than the vitamin E.

 

[Knute]

Agreed. It is dry and healing.

I'm looking into the future to be prepped for the next event.

He generally gets a hot spot after a stay in the doggie hotel when I need to travel out of town.

I know the treatment and how to identify. Just looking for something more effective than what I have been doing.

 

[parus]

Hot spots can take weeks or even months to heal, and often require prescription antibiotics. If your approach has him basically mended in a week or less, without a vet visit or oral meds, that already sounds to me like a highly effective method for your dog. I'm a big proponent of "if it isn't broke, don't fix it."

 

[Knute]

Yeah, I get on the treatment as soon as I notice the spot.
1. Clip hair as best possible to expose it.
2. Clean with dilute Betadine.
3. Let air dry.
4. Apply triple antibiotic, similar to Neosporin
5. Repeat 2-3 times each day until scabs over.
6. After scab, apply Aloe Vera gel.

Cone of Shame is applied as needed.

If healing isn't evident in 24 hours, then off to the Vet.

This isn't the first hot spot. Yes, they are slow to heal. He generally gets one after a stay in the Doggie Hotel when I need to travel on business. I always bathe him before and after the hotel stay. Part of the prep to stay is to make sure he is up on all his preventative meds for fleas, ticks, worms...... Mind you, its not the state of the hotel, its the state of the other residents.

 

[Knute]

Parus, thanks for the input. You are probably correct, no need to change a technique that works.

Its been a little over 2 weeks since the hot spot surfaced. The scab was loose and appeared to supported by new hair growth. So, I got the clippers and did a little trimming. Skin is healed and hair is growing back. I applied a bit of aloe vera gel to the spot with a treat reward. So..............until the next hot spot.........