Content
- Canine Pyoderma: Causes
- Canine Pyoderma: Symptoms
- Is canine pyoderma contagious?
- Diagnosis of superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs
- How to treat canine pyoderma?
- Canine Pyoderma Shampoo
- Canine antibiotic pyoderma
- Recurrent pyoderma in dogs
Bacterial folliculitis, a type of canine pyoderma, is a dermatitis, a skin infection. The causative bacteria belong to the genus Staphylococcus.
This dermatological problem is very common in dogs, as it is one of the most common dermatopathies. This disease can affect both breed puppies, mutts, any age or sex.
In this PeritoAnimal article we will explain everything you need to know about canine pyoderma - superficial folliculitis in dogs. Keep reading!
Canine Pyoderma: Causes
Bacterial pyoderma, also called superficial folliculitis, is usually secondary, that is, a consequence of other problems in the dog. The agent most commonly involved in this infection is the Staphylococcus pseudointermedius which is an opportunistic microorganism, that is, it takes advantage of the weakness of the dog's immune system. This organism is part of the dog's normal flora, the problem is when the dog's immune system is compromised and this organism takes advantage of the situation and reproduces more than normal. It is the exaggerated proliferation of this organism that will alter the dog's skin and lead to bacterial infection.
There is not only superficial folliculitis. In fact, there are three types of pyoderma:
- External pyoderma
- superficial pyoderma
- deep pyoderma
The classification is given according to the depth of the lesion and the veterinarian will prescribe a treatment according to the type of pyoderma your dog has. For this reason it is so important that your dog is seen by a veterinarian if you suspect he has this problem. It is necessary to have a correct diagnosis for proper treatment.
As we have already mentioned, superficial bacterial folliculitis is the most common in puppies. At most common causes for this disease are:
- Parasites such as mites, fleas, ticks
- Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism)
- Corticosteroid drugs
- Fungi (dermatophytosis)
- Atopic dermatitis.
Canine Pyoderma: Symptoms
Clinical signs associated with canine pyoderma may vary. In general, we can say that the canine pyoderma symptoms are:
- Alopecia areas (hairless areas)
- bristly looking fur
- crusts
- peeling
- Papules (small dots)
- Pustules (look like pimples)
- Erythema (redness)
- Itching (itching)
Areas of pus in the follicles are one of the most common clinical signs in puppies with this problem as a consequence of infection. This infection can lead to pustules, papules, etc. The regions of alopecia appear as a consequence of the loss of hair from the follicles affected by the excessive proliferation of the microorganism.
If your dog has broken fur and yellow scabs, you should be wary of this problem and seek a veterinarian immediately.
Is canine pyoderma contagious?
As we have already mentioned, this dermatitis is opportunistic, that is, your pet will not transmit this disease to other animals, humans and non-humans. For this disease to occur, the animal's immune system must be compromised and this favors the exaggerated proliferation of this micro-organism. So don't worry that your pet will not transmit this disease for you or other inhabitants of the house.
Diagnosis of superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs
Generally, the veterinarian is based on the dog's history and clinical examination, together with some complementary exams. There are different diseases with a clinical presentation similar to pyoderma, which is why it is so important to carry out diagnostic tests.
Some of the possible diagnostic tests your veterinarian can perform are:
- shaved skin: this is one of the most common dermatological tests in veterinary dermatology. It is a very quick and easy test and allows the veterinarian to understand which agents are involved in the problem, in order to rule out some differential diagnoses.
- fungal culture: One of the main causes of folliculitis is dermatophytes. This exam allows us to investigate the presence of fungi in the dermatological process.
- Cytology: The veterinarian takes a sample of one of the lesions, for example a pustule and analyzes this material under a microscope. This exam makes it possible to determine the presence of different types of cells, whether they are parasites, bacteria, etc.
- Biopsy: If the veterinarian is suspicious of a neoplastic process (cancer), for example, he may choose to take a skin sample and analyze it histopathologically.
- bacterial culture: This test allows you to confirm the type of bacteria present in the process. It is especially useful in cases where antibiotic therapy is not working and the veterinarian needs to readjust the treatment.
How to treat canine pyoderma?
First, it is essential to know the origin of folliculitis. The most common cases are adjacent to other diseases and a treatment for the initial problem needs to be defined. In addition to treating the original problem, which caused the change in the puppy's immune system, the veterinarian prescribes an appropriate treatment for the clinical signs of pyoderma itself. This treatment can be topical through shampoo, cream, gel or systemic, usually through antibiotics.
Canine Pyoderma Shampoo
Most cases of pyoderma require both topical and systemic treatment. O shampoo it is the most common topical treatment for this problem. Topical treatment helps to remove scabs and dirt, relieves itching and above all prevents a secondary infection.
In addition to shampoo, there are drugs in the form of gel, cream, spray, etc. The important thing is that you use what your trusted veterinarian recommends.
Canine antibiotic pyoderma
O antibiotic it is the most used systemic treatment in superficial pyoderma. The most common thing is for the veterinarian to prescribe an antibiotic for a 21 day period, being able to prolong its use for another week or two after the symptoms disappear.
We recall that the period of antibiotic use may vary according to the type of pyoderma, hence the great importance of having a correct diagnosis.
Culture and antibiogram are essential to know what kind of bacteria are present and to choose the most suitable antibiotic. It is common for the veterinarian to start temporary antibiotic therapy while waiting for the results of these tests.
Recurrent pyoderma in dogs
It is not uncommon for the dog to continue to present a picture of pyoderma even after the treatment recommended by the veterinarian. The most common cause for these relapses is the persistence of the original problem. In other words, if the animal has hypoadrenocorticism, for example, and is only treated for pyoderma, it is normal for the problem to reappear, because the immune system continues to be compromised due to the disease.
So above all you must follow the advice and instructions of the veterinarian. It is normal that different tests are prescribed to detect underlying diseases that are causing changes in the puppy's immune system or some disease that changes the integrity of the skin.
Re-evaluation appointments are essential to prevent disease relapses. Furthermore, we cannot fail to mention the most common mistake of tutors: stopping the treatment too soon! Never stop antibiotics too soon prescribed by the veterinarian. Even if your dog no longer has symptoms of the disease, you can't stop giving him antibiotics. If you stop the antibiotic before the recommended time, it is more likely that your dog will acquire resistance to this antibiotic and in case of recurrence it will be much more difficult to treat the disease.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Canine pyoderma - superficial folliculitis in dogs, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.