Quote Originally Posted by pnance
I need some advice. Bear has had a "large rough spot" on his left front elbow area since we got him. No hair will grow there and it's almost like a callous (sp??). I've seen dogs that have to lay on concrete a lot get them, and unfortunately that was pretty much Bears life before us. It's usually nothing major and for about 4 years now hasn't bothered him at all. In the past few weeks he's started to lick in constantly. It's red (not bleeding) but obviously irritating him. I've put neosporan on it, and cream/lotion but nothing has helped. Anyone ever have this problem? He has already has a vet appointment scheduled for Friday for shots and to check a lump so I'll have the vet take a look then, but thought I'd see if anyone had any advice?

A callous like area on the elbows is likely from laying on a hard surface (if the skin is not red, irritated or inflamed.

The constant licking you described sounds like what we refer to as a 'hot spot'. Dogs get a sort of 'high' from licking, and it doesn't take long for them to figure this out. Sometimes they can start doing this from boredom, or some itchy feeling in that spot. Either way it's a difficult thing to get them to stop the longer it goes on.

Neosporin isn't a cure all for everything, and in some cases can actually make things worse by sealing in moisture which can breed bacteria and such, depending on what is actually going on with your dog. Your vet should always be your first call before trying any home treatments to make sure it's the proper thing to do.

Since I'm a few days late finding this post, I see your appointment with the vet has already happened. Please give us an update as to what your vet said, and how your dog is doing.