These two skin conditions are essentially the same and almost always seen in dogs but do occasionally crop up in cats.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sticky inflamed painful areas of skin with a greenish yellow ooze (called exudate) varying in size from around an inch in diameter to several inches across.
Where do they crop up?
Mostly on the sides of the face but otherwise over the neck, back, hip region or flanks. Rarely anywhere else.
What is the cause?
There are several possible triggers:
• Becoming overheated especially if there is already an ongoing skin allergy
• Self-trauma from scratching and itching especially involving the ear region or from the discomfort caused by an ear infection
• Contracting localised fox (sarcoptic) mange usually from foxes
How do I manage this condition?
If you are unsure of the diagnosis, feel unable to manage the condition or the problem is not improving consult your vet
• Try to clip away the surrounding hair with clippers or scissors. This will improve ventilation around the area and stop the hair sticking to the sticky ooze. You may not be able to do this if the area is very painful
• Use a cotton wool pad to wash the area carefully with the diluted shampoo to bathe away the sticky secretions and the loosen any stuck down matted hair and cut this away
• Use clean warm water to wash away the shampoo and dry the area gently with paper towel
• Use a Buster Collar or a Comfy Collar if needed to prevent more self-trauma until the area has healed
- Tim Couzens