Molly (7 month old shih tzu) always seem to have one scab on her head. It gets about the size of a new penny and 'drops' off and then she gets another one. Not in exactly the same place but on the back of her head. I thought it was a lump first time and took her straight to vet who said not to worry only a scab - perhaps cat had got her - but now I know that the cat isnt to blame as this is her third one. Doesnt bother her but I was thinking of taking her back to the vet again. Do you think I should or do little hairy dogs get things like this. She has been trimmed so not unduly long hair now.

Many thanks Gina.

oh dear no replies. So shall take her to the vet .... again LOL
Gina

Hi Gina

I'd be quite wary of recurring scabs and keep an eye on them - but could it be possible that she is managing to push her head into a tight space and scraping the back of it when she pulls it out? Maybe a toy or a treat has rolled somewhere and she keeps trying to retrieve it?

Sorry Gina did not see the post try putting iodine on the scab with cotton bud . let me know if it helps . Mari

Hi Lara and Marie.

No I dont think she has hurt herself at all. I know what I am going to do now. I shall take her to the vet who will probably say nothing to worry about and then I will put some iodine on it and if it comes back again I will make sure the vet has a good look at it? Does this make sense?

You cant see it as it is stuck on her head still and not loose if you understand me but you can really feel it. It is quite thickish.

Joyce I wondered that with the last one she had but I dont think so as she should still be okay with her frontline as it hasnt worn off yet. The scab is on her head and not where I put the frontline.

Pam I have tried the shih tzu sites but must admit I havent found a really good one yet although I did get some help re coming into season when I e mailed a site so shall ask the same site about this problem later tonight. The books I bought are useless too (well to me they are )

Thanks everyone Gina xxx

Gina scabs can look horrifying .
but it is usually when they are at their thickest [feel sick] that they are getting better.[usually] sometimes the scab needs a boost to make it fall off so a drying medicine like iodine or antibiotic powder does the job. I would always check things with the vet anyway . but I think I would try and clear up a scab myself first . If it was getting better after a few days I will continue if not then I would go to vet .

Hi Gina,

Sorry no replies but I don't have a clue about your breed it may be worth search the need for you breeds health issues you can usually find alot there. If not call the vet an save a trip if they think you should come in again they will tell you.

Could it be hot spots?

As I say not sure..

Pam

Hi Gina
My older dog, Teejay, occasionally gets one or two similar scabs on the back of his head, although not as big as Molly's sounds. They usually appear when the effects of his frontline treatment are wearing off so I have assumed they are small flea bites. Once I have re-treated with frontline, they have cleared up. Don't know if this would apply in Molly's case - if not - please, don't take offence !!
Best wishes
Joyce

My friend has a dog with a round patch of fur that has permanently changed colour where she applied a spot on flea treatment!

Could she be rubbing her head against any hedges or bushes? my dog used to get scabs on his head and back, took him to the vet thinking it was a skin condition, but watched him in the garden rubbing himself against rose bushes and hydrangers, the bushes have now all been removed, no more scabs.

Hi. Definitely not through rubbing herself as I havent seen her do this and we havent any brambles or spiky things in garden for her to catch herself on. I will do what Marie says and then take her back to the vet if no better. Will let you know what happens
Gina