If your puppy has been experiencing facial swelling with crusting pimples, you may be wondering what is wrong. Puppy Strangles, also known as Juvenile Cellulitis, is a relatively uncommon skin disease that can cause a great deal of discomfort for your pup. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for juvenile cellulitis.
What is Puppy Strangles (Juvenile Cellulitis)?
Puppy Strangles, also known as Juvenile Cellulitis, is a rare skin disease that affects puppies. The cause of puppy strangles is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a dysregulation of the puppy's immune system. Puppy strangles results in facial swelling (edema), pustular dermatitis, and lymph node enlargement. Puppy strangles is not contagious to other dogs or humans. The puppy's age at the onset of juvenile cellulitis varies, but it generally affects puppies aged between 3 weeks and 4 months of age.
What causes Puppy Strangles?
Juvenile cellulitis is thought to develop as a result of an immune system malfunction, although no specific cause (e.g., infectious disease) or stimulus has been identified. Vaccinations were thought to be the cause of juvenile cellulitis but most puppies are beginning their initial vaccination series during the time the disease develops.
What are the symptoms of Puppy Strangles in dogs?
Symmetrical facial swelling with marked lymph node enlargement is usually first noticed. A pustular, crusting dermatitis develops quickly and the most commonly affected areas include the muzzle, nose, and around the eyes. Crusting lesions can also occur on the ears. Other symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite (anorexia), and fever.
How is Puppy Strangles treated in dogs?
The treatment of choice is glucocorticoids to temporarily suppress the immune system. The most common glucocorticoid used is prednisone. Antibiotics are usually used in conjunction as the lesions are often secondarily infected. With this treatment, the symptoms usually resolve in 2-4 weeks.
FAQs from dog owners about puppy strangles
Can puppy strangles be cured?
Essentially, yes. After the puppy recovers from puppy strangles, it is very rare to have any relapses. There is an excellent prognosis for a full recovery.
How does a dog get puppy strangles?
Puppy strangles is not contagious to other dogs or humans. It is not yet known how a puppy contracts juvenile cellulitis, but it is thought to be due to an immune system malfunction.
What are the long-term effects of puppy strangles?
The long-term effects of puppy strangles are generally very good. Most puppies make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.
Is puppy strangles hereditary?
An inherited component may be involved, as indicated by findings reported in a genetic study.
Puppy strangles (juvenile cellulitis) is a relatively uncommon skin disease that affects puppies. the cause of puppy strangles is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a dysregulation of the puppy's immune system. Puppy strangles results in facial swelling (edema), pustular dermatitis, and lymph node enlargement. Puppy strangles is not contagious to other dogs or humans. With the appropriate therapy, puppies can make a complete recovery.