[CorkyMax]

quote: A solution for 'hot spots' on dogs--1/3 listerine (any flavor), 1/3 baby oil, and 1/3 water. Shake up in a spray bottle and spray on the dog, rubbing into the spot. If done when you first see the dog 'worrying' a spot, it stops the problem in its tracks. Think the Listerine dries it out and the baby oil soothes it. It works like a miracle!

[Lara's mom]

I wonder if this would work on cats who get granulomas? Holly (my devil cat) has had these several times. It begins with a spot that irritates her and before you know it, she's licked the area until it looks like raw hamburger! The only thing that seems to work is to take her to the Dr. for a cortisone shot. Thankfully, she doesn't get them frequently.

[PRIYERZ]

Sorry, but what is a Hot Spot?

[CorkyMax]

Here is what one vet describes as a hot spot:

What Is A "Hot Spot"?
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com Guide

Question: What Is A "Hot Spot"?
Hot spots are a common skin problem, but that doesn't mean that they should be overlooked or ignored! Hot spots can happen at any time of the year, with the warmer months being more common. Causes vary, and it is best to visit with your veterinarian to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
Answer: A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection. The infection can be superficial or deep. Other common names for this condition include: moist dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis, and acute moist dermatitis. Broken down, "pyo-" refers to "pus", "-traumatic" refers to self-inflicted trauma of biting, licking, scratching, and so on, and "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin.
These common skin lesions are usually caused (and made worse) by biting, licking, or scratching. The important thing for successful long term treatment of a hot spot is to find the underlying cause to break the cycle of continued skin trauma and resulting inflammation.

Redness, oozing, pain, and itchiness are hallmark signs. Hair loss is commonly present. Sometimes hair can mat over the lesion, obscuring the size and degree of the problem. These lesions can appear suddenly, and grow rapidly in size. It is common for an owner to notice a small area of inflamed skin in the morning (perhaps an inch or couple centimeters in diameter) and come home from work to be met with a large area the size of the palm of a hand. The dog is usually highly agitated, and will not leave the area alone. Some dogs will even growl or snap if the area is touched.

There is usually an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite, allergies (food, inhalant, contact), or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.). Some animals have been known to "start" a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related psychological problems.

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I wonder if this would work on cats who get granulomas? Holly (my devil cat) has had these several times. It begins with a spot that irritates her and before you know it, she's licked the area until it looks like raw hamburger! The only thing that seems to work is to take her to the Dr. for a cortisone shot. Thankfully, she doesn't get them frequently.

It might be worth a try! I found this on the net:Cat Hot Spots Giving you this link as it has important info on knowing what is causing it so it doesn't keep coming back, etc. There are many more links if you want to check out more info. I only read this one above. Just put cats/hot spots in your browser to bring up many more sites.

[Lara's mom]

Thanks! Will check it out.