Scars result from the healing process. They form in almost all wounds except for the most minor of cuts. Keloid scars are not dangerous to a dog but are usually accompanied by some discomfort for the animal.
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What Is a Keloid Scar?
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A keloid scar is a growth of collagen tissue over a previously healed skin injury.
What Do Keloid Scars Look Like?
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Keloid scars can range in color from flesh-colored to dark brown. Look for a growth above the old wound that is shiny and firm to the touch.
How Keloid Scars Affect a Dog
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Most dogs will scratch at keloid scars. Often the animal will exhibit signs of pain at the site of the scar. If the dog scratches the scar or skin around it open, an infection may result.
How Keloid Scars Differ From Other Scars
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Keloid scars often expand beyond the site of the original wound and cover healthy skin. Other types of scars do not cover any larger area than the original wound.
Treatments
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Portions of the scar can be removed surgically. Removal of the entire scar is not recommended due to the likelihood of the scar reoccurring. Steroids will slow the growth of the scar, and topical skin treatments will alleviate the animal's discomfort. These options do not eliminate the scar but help reduce its impact on the dog's life.
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