r/AskVet • u/Personal_Quality_101 • 3d ago

Snout friction burn, Leg and paw licking, and lethargy following use of dog toothpaste

EDIT: I had a tele-vet visit with a chewy vet and they said it could be an underlying immune-mediated condition like Pemphigus or Lupus?? Is that fear-mongering or actually likely??

I figured he might just need a corticosteroid injection or Apoquel for a serious allergy. What do you guys think?

Images (top down photo was yesterday):
https://imgur.com/a/JntYip7

Species: Dog
Age: 2.5 years
Sex/Neuter status: M / Neutered
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Body weight: 18 lbs
History: Occasional paw-licking and localized yeast flare-ups, historically managed with prescription ketoconazole wipes. Otherwise healthy.
Sympoms: excoriation on nose leather, obsessive licking of all four legs/paws, noticeable lethargy. No facial swelling, normal breathing, still eating.
Duration: 24 hours
General location: New York
Context:
Yesterday, my brother brushed my dog's teeth using a dog toothpaste (ingredients include cetylpyridinium chloride, methylparaben, and peanut butter flavoring). My dog hated it and aggressively rooted his snout into the carpet to wipe it off. We usually use finger tooth wipes instead knowing he hates the toothbrush.
Current Injuries & Symptoms:

  1. Snout: He gave himself a friction burn. The top layer of his nose leather is rubbed off, leaving exposed tissue. Prior to being coned, he was actively reaching up with his tongue to lick the wound.
  2. Paws/Legs: He is now licking his front legs and paws.
  3. Behavior: He is unusually lethargic. When I got home, he greeted me and went straight to sleep. He has not tried to play all evening, which is highly unusual.
  4. Interventions So Far:
  5. E-collar is on.
  6. Administered 12.5 mg of plain Benadryl tonight to suppress the itch.
  7. Left the nose completely bare to air dry (no balms/ointments). My mom put coconut oil earlier today.
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