One day, while brushing your dog, you may encounter a rough, crusty growth on your dog's elbow and you may worry that it is a tumor. Before you panic and rush off to the emergency veterinary hospital, check again. It's likely a simple elbow callus. But that doesn't mean you don't need to address it. Here's what you should know so that the callus doesn't turn into a more serious problem.

What Is an Elbow Callus?

A callus is a thick, hard layer of skin that forms to protect underlying tissues from pressure and friction. On your dog's elbow, it forms to protect the area around the ulnar joint on your pup's forearm from pressure caused by laying on hard surfaces. That's why it is also called a pressure sore. They are more common in large breeds or overweight dogs because the pressure on the joint is greater. Calluses are also a problem for older dogs with painful orthopedic conditions that cause them to remain inactive.

Is an Elbow Callus Serious?

Although unsightly, elbow calluses are generally not a cause for alarm. But that doesn't mean you can ignore them. You first need to determine that it is a callus rather than a hygroma. A hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that is also caused by pressure on the elbow joint. It is more serious than a callus and should be checked by your veterinarian. They will likely insert a needle into the swollen area to drain the fluid and then apply an antibiotic ointment.

While not as serious as a hygroma, a callus does need to be addressed or it can develop cracks that can become infected. Your pup will need a regimen of antibiotics to clear up the infection so that it doesn't cause permanent damage to the joint. Then you'll need to address the underlying cause of the callus or you risk a return of the infection.

Treating Your Dog's Callus

The most likely cause of your furry friend's elbow callus is lying on a hard surface. Often, dogs prefer to lie on a hard surface such as wood or linoleum, especially during warm weather. The constant pressure on the elbow will cause the skin to thicken to protect the joint. Over time, this will turn into a hard, rough patch of skin like the one you found on your dog's elbow.

To treat the callus and prevent it from reoccurring, you'll need to change the surface that they lay on. Provide them with a padded dog bed or other cushioned surface to lie on and make sure they use it. You might need to keep them confined in a crate or other tightly enclosed area to ensure they lay only on the padded bedding.

You'll also want to keep the callus lubricated to prevent it from cracking. Petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil will help soften the callus and help it heal. By keeping your pup on a soft surface and using a protective ointment, you can usually make the callus disappear in a few weeks. If the problem persists, you'll need to have it treated by your veterinarian, who can then recommend other actions to help prevent the callus from returning.

For more information, contact a local animal care hospital.