Prospective evaluation of hospital‐acquired skin lesions in dogs: A case–control study

Abstract Background Hospital‐related dermatological conditions are well‐studied and reported in human medicine. However, studies about these dermatological disorders in veterinary medicine are lacking. Objectives To report the incidence, type and distribution of hospital‐acquired skin lesions (HASL) in dogs, and to investigate risk factors that may be associated with their development. Animals Hospitalised client‐owned dogs with HASL and a control group of hospitalised dogs without skin lesions. Materials and Methods Prospective clinical evaluation of all HASL and dermatological tests, when indicated, were performed, over 6 months. A variety of potentially predisposing factors also were recorded. Results Thirty‐one dogs with HASL and a matched control group of 60 hospitalised dogs without skin lesions were included. The incidence of HASL was 11.2% (31 of 278). The most common lesion was erythema in 74.2% of dogs (23 of 31) and the most affected area was the abdomen in 58.1% (18 of 31) of dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was identified as an important risk factor for the development of skin lesions during hospitalisation (odds ratio 14.445, 95% confidence interval 1.444–144.479, p = 0.023). Immobilisation and changes in body temperature also may play a role in the development of such lesions in dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was found to be an important factor in the development of HASL. The impact of HASL on patient outcomes and the prevention of these lesions requires further investigation.