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Rash on belly.

Species: Dog
Breed: Pit Bull/Great Dane
Age: 1-2 years
My 15 month old pit bull/great dane mix has recently started developing a "bruise" on his abdomen. It's centered where his navel is. I first noticed it 3 weeks ago. It's been steadily growing larger, but it's been growing faster over the last few days. It's red, not purple or blue. I actually took a picture and loaded it on Photobucket at the link here:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f129/mswanso502/15mosbelly.jpg
Just a little more info:
-He's about 70 lbs
-He's neutered (at 5 mos old)
-We were told his back left knee joints were loose when he was 10 weeks old-he had a steady limp.
-About 3 months ago, he started limping on his right front leg. The doctor did xrays and couldn't find anything, so he's been taking Ultram as needed; maybe 3 times/week or so.
-Every once in a while, I hear him cry out in pain. I'm not sure what's hurting him though. He's always laying down when he does it, so I don't think it's his legs.
-The bruise on his stomach doesn't seem to bother him. He still runs and plays with our other 15 month old male dog. If I press on it, it does seem a little uncomfortable. He did growl at me one time when I touched it. That's very out of character for him.
Any ideas what this could be?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

rash on belly

Thanks for a great picture. It's always hard to tell exactly what is going on by looking at a picture, but I'm guessing that this is a bacterial infection. These types of infections are really common.

They usually need to be treated with antibiotic pills that you would get from your vet. I have seen some mild skin infections clear up by using polysporin or neosporin a few times a day, but usually they need the oral tablets.

It doesn't sound like this is related to his leg problem.

It sounds like it would be a good idea to have your vet examine him and see if they can determine what is going on.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you for your response. I have also been talking to some people on a forum. They also mentioned skin infection. I will say that the rash is not raised at all. It all appears to be coming from underneath the skin. Today it's a little smaller and turning purplish right above it. Here's a picture from a few minutes ago:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f129/mswanso502/15mosbelly3-1.jpg
I started giving him Doxyclycline (that I already had) tonight. I wanted to do something until I could get him to see the vet. Someone else mentioned a Lyme disease rash. I'm worried that it could be the problem since he's also been limping for unknown reasons. I have found several ticks on my other dog recently. I removed them, including the head and cleaned the area. I hope that's the right way to do it. I live in NW Louisiana. I'm pretty sure we're in a high deer tick area. Does it look like this could be Lyme Disease in your opinion? I always thought it to be a more round rash?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

It does look like the area is getting smaller.

We don't usually see target lesions in dogs like you can in people with lyme disease. We can see a slight amount of redness around a recent tick bite, but nothing like what is in the picture. This doesn't look like lyme disease to me.

It's not a good idea to give antibiotics that weren't prescribed for this condition. Doxycycline is not a first choice for skin problems. Plus, if you have antibiotic left over then that means you don't have enough to do a full course of antibiotics.

If it keeps getting smaller then this is good. But, if it's not going away or starts to get bothersome then a vet visit is the best idea.

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

Thank you very much. I'm going to call and make an appt when they open in the morning. Hopefully it's nothing serious. I'll get him some new medicine. I didn't give him any today, just in case.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Sounds good! Feel free to post back after your vet visit if you have more questions or an update.



Customer reply:

Ok, thank you very much!


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.