Crackling Head on Dog - Page 1

Hey all,

So, it's 3 o'clock in the morning and my friend was petting my blue heeler and she found a spot on her head....that crackled.  I'm a bit worried.  Aaaand figured I'd ask if anyone on here had heard of anything of the sort.  It doesn't seem to be causing any pain or behavioral differences.  If you run your finger along it, it feels like...cartilage popping under the skin.  I know its under the skin because i can move it to the side and actually feel her skull...so i dont think it's a shattered skull even though I'm pretty sure if it was....she would definately NOT be chasing a squeeky toy across the room.  BUT it has me worried all the same and I can't get to a vet in the middle of the night.  

Thanks,
Haley

Here is a picture of where it is...

Okay, honestly, at 0200 in the morning, that picture is kinda spooking me out.

I swear, I've heard this come up before in conversation, and it was eventually agreed that it was normal.
Weird, but totally benign.

Take the dog to the vet and find out.

Considering the nature of problem, I would definietly not even consider what is going to mentioned, that it "COULD BE"..  Please take your dog to a vet asap..Pretty ACD....By the way, I love ACDs. About 20yrs ago, I bred them and showed them.

Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema.

If you are certain that the spot? is filled with air then the raised area is, more than likely, subcutaneous emphysema from your description.  It can be caused by trauma to the dog's epidermis (the upper or outer layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the dog's skin).

My cat recently had it on her chest when she fractured a rib so probably best to go and see what the vet thinks has caused it but it is air under the skin.

Nice looking dog, by the way.

I would agree with Hulamor. i remember a dog comeing in to the clinic that we did surgery on and there was crackling under his skin. It was creepy feeling. I would for sure go to the vet and have them look at it..