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Hot spots

Our Rottie Daisy is almost 2, and is otherwise healthy but has recurring ear infections in the summer. She is in the pool very often, and are attributing it to the frequent moisture in her ears. In the winter, it's almost non-existent. In the summer I clean her ears regularly, and Otomax cure flare-ups quickly.

Here's the problem: Last week she developed a hot spot on her cheek. I shaved the area, cleaned and disinfected, and treated with apple cider vinegar to dry it out. It has stopped oozing, and has scabbed over, and appears to be healing fine.
Here's the Q: Does the same bacteria from the ear infections cause this? Do you think they are related?

Oddly enough, the hot spot appeared under the cleaner of her two ears.

Thanks!
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931674 tn?1283481696
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Although increased moisture in the ears can predispose a dog to ear infections, the likely primary cause is seasonal allergies, which are also a common cause of seasonal hotspots, itching and skin infections. A hotspot is a localized bacterial skin infection, secondary to allergies/self trauma. The bacteria that are associated with hotspots are normal bacteria on the skin in low numbers, that overgrow and create the infection (just like the yeast in the ears are normal flora in low numbers, but overgrow due to allergic inflammation and moisture). If the flare ups occur only occasionally, then treatment of symptoms with occasional ear medications is fine, however if symptoms worsen and occur more frequently, then intradermal allergy testing and desensitization injections may be warrented. For now, regular (1-2 times weekly) cleaning of the ears with a mild astringent ear cleaner such as EpiOtic is recommended. For  the hotspot, clipping and cleaning is sometimes all that is needed for mild hotspots, and you can also apply Otomax to the skin to reduce inflammation and superficial infection, but if it does not continue to improve then I recommend taking her to your veterinarian for possible antibiotics.
Kimberly Coyner, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Dermatology
www.dermvet.com
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm only going to post a comment because our Dermatologist (Dr. Coyner) will be on to discuss more completely.  

Both bacterial and yeast (fungus) can cause ear infections.  The bacteria could be the same as Staph is everywhere and a common contaminant of skin inflammation secondary to another cause.  

Hot Spots are called Pyo-Traumatic Dermatitis.  Meaning pus-producing infection with trauma a key component to the spot (typically the dog scratching at the highly itchy spots) this creates a viscous cycle of trauma, skin inflammation, oozing of serum, invasion or further growth of the bacteria and the cycle continues.  They are seen often is hot humid climates (although can occur anywhere) and can flare up and spread very rapidly.  

Your treatment was right on track; stop the inflammation, kill the bacteria, dry the skin and they usually calm down.  Once a dog has these, they likely development them again.  

I'm going to venture a guess and say that the ear infections are not related to where or why you saw the hot spot on her cheek.  But...it's possible.  Physical spread of the bacteria is a component of the infection.  
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and for the outstanding information and advice.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Edit to add:

Her ear infections are yeast infections, not mites.
Helpful - 0

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