Could I have your opinions on how urgent this leg lesion is? (Photo included)

[LimitIsUp]

Recent history - my 4 year old flatcoat retriever was taken seriously ill with haemorrhaging gastroenteritis (unknown cause, likely ingested a toxin) last Thursday and ended up admitted to a specialist veterinary hospital as an inpatient where he slowly recovered and was discharged on Tuesday. He has a follow up outpatient appointment this coming Thursday as he had slightly raised bilirubin levels so these will be rechecked

He has been well and back to his old self since discharge earlier this week, but I discovered this lesion on his leg today. It doesn't appear to be sore or bothering him. I have compared it to images of Alabama rot and it doesn't look sore enough? I am currently paranoid about his health since he was so sick with the haemorrhaging gastroenteritis (vets were concerned at one point that he might not make it)

Should I wait to the appointment with the specialist vets hospital on Thursday or does it warrant an appointment with my own vet tomorrow do you think?

Not sure what to do and don't want to overreact - but don't want to underreact either!

.

Sorry - will periodically bump to keep this in Active Conversations

I can't see from the photograph whether it's weeping or not. I would be tempted to put some dog friendly topical cream on it and see how it goes. My only worry would be messing with it might make him mess with it where he currently isn't iyswim.

Do your vets or insurers have a vet line you could call? I just wonder about checking if there's any link between surface lesions and the gastrointestinal issue in dogs.

[Flowers] and some dog treats :)

If it was me I would book at my usual vets.

The rational is that unless I thought it was connected and not just a typical legion I wouldn't 'bother' the specialist with it. However, if it is connected my usual vet should say and expedite if needed so best of both worlds iykwim.

Thanks guys - its not weeping and he doesn't seem bothered about it. It is however very difficult not to be totally neurotic over it after the shitty time we had with him last week. Ok - given that its not weeping or oozing I don't think I will use the Vets Now out of hours service but I will phone my vets tomorrow at 8.30 for a same day appointment

...and yet my own vets will contact the specialist vets hospital if it is connected I suppose, good point Bitey

Is he licking/chewing at it? It looks like it's on a shaved patch where he's had his IV line in at some stage. The shaving can cause skin irritation which they then lick/chew at

I am liking that explanation Another - it is in the area where hair was shaved. I haven't seen him licking or chewing at it - but that isn't to say that he hasn't been doing so.

And yes he did have his IV line in somewhere around that area. Just hadn't seen this patch until today

It looks a bit like my old fella's wet eczema, we used to have to trim back the fur round it then get him to the vets for treatment.

@LimitIsUp how is the pooch?

He is fine thanks Another - it's as you suggested, Vet confirmed it was where his IV had been and he's been licking it and chewing at the hair regrowth

Ah glad it's nothing more, sounds like he's been through quite sufficient for the time being!

Thanks Another, yes, he most definitely has!