Severe Erythema and Pruritus

History: Levi, a 5-year-old MN Golden Retriever, developed severe erythema following an ultrasound laboratory. The initial lesion was likely the result of clipper irritation compounded by approximately 2 hours of probe pressure and prolonged moisture exposure from ultrasound gel. Over the following 24 hours, Levi became increasingly pruritic, and the affected area worsened due to scratching and licking.

Clinical Findings: Marked erythema was present, accompanied by significant pruritus and self-trauma from licking and scratching.

Treatment: KeraVet Gel was initiated approximately 24 hours after the ultrasound laboratory. The gel was applied BID on Day 1 and then once daily thereafter.

Clinical Outcome with KeraVet Gel: Levi continued to lick the area after the initial application; however, licking stopped following the second application of KeraVet Gel. Pruritus significantly improved within approximately 24 hours of starting treatment. In many ways this was considered successful because the pruritus resolved and the skin was less moist.

Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Charlotte, NC