Our Siberian has been scratching his jowels. Both sides have

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Our Siberian has been scratching his jowels. Both sides have become irritated and scabby. We have been applying neosporin 2x a day to speed healing to no avail. I am not sure if this is an allergic reaction or if his scratching is causing the spread. The jowel fur right at the gum line is stained a brownish color. Is a vet visit suggested?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Yes, this sounds like allergies. This is called cheilitis and they usually get it from rubbing. The vet can give the dog some steroids to relieve the swelling and inflammation. IF they are also infected, the vet may get some antibiotics to give orally.

Respond if you need more information or if my answer didn't exactly answer your question. If I have been helpful, please ACCEPT the answer and please LEAVE FEEDBACK!!

Dr. Louis Gotthelf
Animal Hospital of Montgomery
Pet Skin and Ear Clinic

Reply to dr4pets's Post: There really isn't any inflamation and the condition is external. Gums and teeth are in fine shape. He just had complete dental work (cleaning). This doesn't sound like cheilitis, as I researched it. Cheilitis seems to be an interal mouth disease. It started at the lip line and seems to be progressing towards the under chin area. He is a drooler and I'm wondering if it's a dermititis that's being driven by the damp humid weather.

It is probably a dermatitis. If he is a drooler, then it can certainly cause the skin to get irritated. Why is he drooling? Is there a bad tooth, a growth in the mouth, or irritation to the tongue?

THe dermatitis can be treated with a topical steroid creme or a shot of steroids and the use of antibiotics. It may clear up for a short time,but if the drooling problem isnot attended to, there will be a recurrence.

Reply to dr4pets's Post: Unfortunately, your answer was not helpful to me and I had to schedule an appoinment with the vet to clear this up before it got out of hand. Please promptly refund the $8 charge that has already appeared on my credit account. Thank you

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Jowel Infection/Scabbing/Discoloration/Itching

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