Hot spots

[takemetomars]

My golden retriever has a hot spot currently being treated.
Any tips on how I can remove the hard plaque to get the topical treatment to the skin below

You want to clean it off with hibiscrub and hot water and shave it if you can...

Already bathing with hibiscrub twice a day as per vet directions. She kept him for an hour on first presentation and didn't shave or clean it at all. Hence why it looks as it does. The plaque is thick, hard and firmly adhered. I know what I would do for a human as part of my job is wound and ulcer care but I can't do that for this as it would involve dressing it with a softening agent and this is to be kept dry??

You kind of scrub at it with the hibiscrub... not as violently as that sounds, lol

But if you can get it damp with that - wipe as much gunk as you can off, then shave or at least trim it... and then go again and when you’re done dry it off.

It should start to come away when you’re cleaning it.

Bit surprised the vet didn’t do it tbh. I got used to doing it myself because I had a dog with an allergy that caused hot spots who wouldn’t let vets touch him.

Thank you for your help. Guess I may have to be a bit firmer with it. I am surprisingly squeamish about it despite the fact that I have seen awful ulcers on people and they don't bother me! Just don't want to hurt him!!

As long as you don’t go at it like you’re sanding something it shouldn’t hurt, lol.

Mine used to quite like it, they’re usually itchy and you’re rubbing - so it feels ok

Not had to do this but if you really soak it with the hibiscrub will it loosen the plaque?
And YY to clipping round it if you can.

Yes, a good long soak would do it but can't keep his leg in a bucket for long

Have had a pick (nurses love picking) whilst he was distracted with beef skin