Raised Crusty Bumps on a Dog's Spinal Area

Dogs that suffer from flea allergies exhibit crusty papules along the spine and at the base of the tail. The pet's owner may notice spots of black flea defecation near the bumps or see live fleas in the dog's fur. Some dogs fastidiously clean themselves and remove all physical evidence of the fleas, but the allergy symptoms remain.

  1. Symptoms

    • A dog that suffers from a flea allergy often displays the most severe symptoms during warm weather when the fleas are the most prolific. A severely hypersensitive dog will develop crusty bumps even if it only sustains one flea bite. The allergic dog will itch excessively, lick itself, have raised bumps along its spine and may lose areas of fur. The crusty papules usually cause the dog pain and discomfort. If the dog does not receive treatment to remove the fleas, the bumps may begin to extend across the dog's trunk and down its legs. The irritated skin may thicken, and secondary infections can occur. A severe flea infestation often causes the dog to develop anemia.

    Allergic Reaction

    • A flea allergy occurs in sensitive dogs. When the flea bites the dog to feed off its blood, the flea injects saliva into the wound. The dog's immune system causes intense skin itching, papules and inflammation to occur after sustaining the flea bite. Examine the dog closely if it begins to show signs of a flea allergy. Use a flea comb to try to detect any fleas or flea dirt in the dog's fur. Take the dog to a veterinarian to diagnosis the allergy.

    Treatment

    • The veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids to help control the bumps and itching. The corticosteroid will only treat the symptoms and not cure the flea infestation. The veterinarian will also treat any secondary bacterial skin infections that may occur. Some dogs that inadvertently ingest adult fleas during grooming may also suffer from a tapeworm infestation. The veterinarian may perform tests to determine if the dog has other parasites. A veterinarian can also run an allergy test on the dog to determine if its symptoms come from an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva.

    Eliminating Fleas

    • Residual insecticides control adult fleas, eggs and larvae. Topical insect growth regulators help break the flea's life cycle. Permethrin-pyriproxyfen sprays offer short-term flea control. The dog's surroundings also require treatment. Consider laundering the dog's bedding and any fabric toys in hot water with detergent. Vacuuming the entire house, under the furniture and any upholstery will help remove adult fleas, eggs and larvae from the house. Dispose of the contents of the vacuum outside in a sealed bag to prevent reinfestation of the premises from occurring. Environmental flea control products eliminate the fleas from home and yard.