spots

Question
My puppy has 3 dime size red spots on his stomach.  They kind of look like insect bites.  They don't seem to be bothering him, but i'm going crazy trying to figure out where they came from.  Should I take him to the Vet or just wait to see if it starts to bother him?

Answer
I think you should go have your Vet take a look, I worry about ringworm.  As you may know, ringworm isn't actually a worm but a fungus which can spread to humans and other pets.  Ringworm typically has defined edges, meaning not a blotch but an actual circle, also it is raised and often is paler in the middle giving the appearance of a ring.  A case of ringworm has nothing to do with your lack of hygiene on your pet, it just happens!  I would make an appointment for tomorrow and make sure its not ringworm.  Your DVM may take a sample of hair from the area to place in what's called a DTM (Dermatophyte Test Medium)  This is a plate of nutrient gel (agar) which helps the fungus to grow (if its present) and changes color which helps the DVM and techs to ID that it is ringworm.  Be aware that this test takes about 1-2 weeks for a result (it has to be incubated and allowed to grow until enough organism is present to look at under a microscope) but your vet should give you an anti-fungal treatment (pills, topical's, etc) if he/she thinks that ringworm is a possibility.

Even though the lesions don't seem to bothering your puppy, I would still have it checked out.  Ringworm doesn't always itch or make any discomfort for the pet, but if you catch it it takes weeks to clear up the fungus and then you are more susceptible to it (or so I was told when I caught it at work from a dog!!) You're DVM/ MD can advise you further on treatment plans and how to protect yourself from ringworm if that is the case.

As a vet tech, I am not legally allowed to diagnose or prescribe treatment, nor do I have the education to do so.

Thanks for the Question and Have a great Friday!
Laura