What Is Pyoderma In Dogs?

Dogs are prone to a variety of skin problems, one of which is pyoderma. Pyoderma in dogs is a bacterial skin infection that can cause hair loss, lesions, and scabs on the skin. If left untreated, pyoderma can lead to more serious health problems for dogs. Luckily, pyoderma can be treated with antibiotics and other therapies. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes pyoderma in dogs and how it can be treated. We will also provide tips for preventing pyoderma in dogs. If you're interested in learning what pyoderma is in dogs, keep reading!

What is pyoderma in dogs and what causes it?

Pyoderma in dogs is a bacterial skin infection often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. There are several different types of pyoderma, but the most common is superficial pyoderma, which is a bacterial skin infection that affects the top layer of the skin. The bacteria can enter the dog's body through breaks in the skin, such as wounds, bites, or scratches. In addition, anything that disrupts the normal defense mechanisms of the skin can increase a dog's risk of developing pyoderma.

Pyoderma in dogs occurs as a result of another cutaneous, endocrine, or immune disorder. Common underlying causes of pyoderma in dogs include:

• Atopic dermatitis (environmental and seasonal allergies)
• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Food allergy and hypersensitivity
• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing's disease

The way that superficial bacterial pyoderma happens is complicated and might be different depending on the underlying condition. The diseases or conditions that cause pyoderma in dogs do so by causing epidermal barrier defects and impairing inflammatory cells which increases bacterial adhesion. With increased bacterial adhesion, colonization and subsequent infection occur.

What are the symptoms of pyoderma in dogs?

There are three types of lesion distribution: localized, multi-focal, and generalized. The distribution of the lesions can depend on the underlying disease process. For example, dogs with atopic dermatitis often have lesions on their feet, face, ears, and underside. Flea allergy dermatitis typically produces a lower back and tail base distribution of lesions. With either of these conditions, pruritus (itchiness) can result in self-trauma which creates an environment for secondary infection. Alopecia may arise from hairs that are easily epilated due to inflammation or damage to the hair follicles. Pruritus (itchiness) is variable but pyoderma can increase itch in dogs with an already pruritic condition (e.g., atopy or Malassezia dermatitis).

In summary, pyoderma in dogs can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Hair loss
• Pimple-type lesions such as pustules or papules
• Scabs and crusting lesions
• Itching
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Pain and discomfort

How is pyoderma in dogs diagnosed?

To diagnose pyoderma in dogs, your veterinarian will take a history of your dog's health and perform a physical examination. Your veterinarian will likely also recommend skin cytology or bacterial culture and sensitivity testing to confirm the diagnosis. Skin cytology is a test that involves taking a sample of the lesion and looking at it under a microscope. This can help to identify the type of bacteria present. Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing involve taking a sample of the lesion and culturing it in a laboratory. This can help to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and what antibiotics will be effective in treating it.

In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests, skin scrapings, skin biopsies, or other tests to rule out underlying conditions that may be causing the pyoderma.

What is the treatment for pyoderma in dogs?

Systemic and topical antimicrobials are the two types of therapy for pyoderma. Systemic antibiotic therapy may be chosen based on culture results or empirically. Topical therapy is good for almost all cases of superficial bacterial pyoderma and can be used by itself or with systemic therapy.

Topical therapy for pyoderma

There are a variety of topical treatments that your veterinarian can use to treat pyoderma. Some of these include medicated shampoos, leave-on conditioners, sprays, and wipes. The specific topical therapy that is best for your dog will depend on the type of pyoderma present and the severity of the infection.

Systemic antibiotic therapy for pyoderma

Systemic antibiotics are most often used in cases of severe pyoderma or pyoderma that are unresponsive to topical therapy. The specific antibiotic that is best for your dog will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and what antibiotics it is sensitive to. In some cases, a combination of antibiotics may be used.

Examples of commonly used systemic (oral) antibiotics include:

• Cephalexin
• Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
• Cefovecin (Convenia® - an injectable antibiotic that lasts for 7-14 days)
• Clindamycin
• Enrofloxacin

To reduce the chances of bacterial resistance, follow your veterinarian's recommendations closely and finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your dog is feeling better and the skin looks good.

In addition to systemic or topical antimicrobial therapy, your veterinarian may also recommend other treatment options depending on the underlying cause of the pyoderma. For example, if your dog has allergies or hypothyroidism, treatment will focus on addressing that condition. Once the underlying condition is controlled, the risk of recurrence of pyoderma is lessened.

How can pyoderma in dogs be prevented?

Prevention of pyoderma in dogs is typically focused on controlling the underlying condition and using an antimicrobial topical agent on dogs who are prone to the condition. This may also involve allergy testing and avoidance of allergens, regular flea and tick prevention, or other measures.

Pyoderma in dogs is a common skin condition in dogs that can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss, pimple-type lesions, scabs and crusting lesions, itching, inflammation, and redness. The most common cause of pyoderma in dogs is allergic disease but there are other causes such as hypothyroidism and certain medications (e.g. corticosteroids). Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include antibiotics, medicated baths, and special shampoos. Prevention is typically focused on controlling the underlying condition and using an antimicrobial topical agent on dogs who are prone to the condition. If you have any other questions about pyoderma in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.