I am hoping for some clarification of what difference there is between a 'hot spot' and the development of a 'mast cell tumor'. My 2 bulldogs are the first dogs I've been fully responsible for, so I am new to these concerns. I have received an explanation from the vet - but not sure I completely understand it. From what I gather, a hot spot is a spot of irritation that itches and dogs tend to lick/scratch/etc. at it. What I'm not clear on is whether these LEAD to mast cell tumors, or if areas of this type of irritation are CONFUSED as being hot spots when they are actually MCTs and they are completely separate things?
My male developed what seemed like a hot-spot/bite/irritation on his back right paw. He kept licking at it and within 1 day it eventually became kind of a gross, pussy crater. We took him to the vet who said to keep an eye on it and if it did not go away in 1 week (with an antihistamine shot) then we should be very careful, as it may be a MCT. It took more than 2 weeks since every time it started drying up and healing, our bullie would find a way to tear off the sock and lick at it. We got it looked at again by our regular vet, and he said not to worry if it continued healing, but to worry if it re-moistened/opened or got larger. We are using squirts of hydrogen peroxide and just got a 'bactoderm' ointment. But I am worried since it has been 3 weeks since it first started. Could someone explain to me what the difference (or commonality) of hot spots and MCTs are? And how to differentiate? My male is about 16 months old.
Thank you! (sorry the explanation was so long)