Sterile Nodular Panniculitis

Panniculitis is a skin disease occurring in dogs and cats. It is an inflammation of the panniculus, a dense layer of subcutaneous fat. In nodular panniculitis, the inflammation results in the formation of small knoblike masses of tissue called nodules. Sterile nodular panniculitis is “sterile” because it has no disease-causing organisms associated with it. It is also an idiopathic disease, which is to say its cause is not precisely known.

  1. Causes

    • Dachsunds have a predilection for the disease.

      Some forms of panniculitis are the result of trauma, infection, dietetic deficiencies or other issues. However, one of the characteristics that distinguishes sterile nodular panniculitis from the disease’s other forms is that its cause is not precisely known. Nevertheless, the predisposition of certain breeds of dogs to contract the disease suggests that the most probable cause is genetic.

    Symptoms

    • The primary symptom of the disease is the appearance of multiple, deep-seated nodules just under the animal’s skin. The nodules can protrude above the skin and sometimes appear yellow, brown or red. Protruding nodules sometimes ulcerate and produce a clear or yellowish drainage. Other symptoms may include fever, sluggishness and loss of appetite.

    Diagnosis

    • According to Vet Connect&'s 5-minute consultation, deep excision biopsies (the removal of tissue from underneath the skin for examination) are necessary for the diagnosis of sterile nodular panniculitis. No evidence of any disease-causing organism is an indication of sterile nodular panniculitis. Diagnostic tests may include urinalysis, immunofluorescence (the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes), and serum protein electrophoresis (measurement of the specific proteins in the blood).

    Treatment

    • The most common treatment for sterile nodular panniculitis is prednisone, a synthetic steroid similar to the naturally occurring steroid cortisone. Treatment continues until the nodules and/or lesions have disappeared, or about 38 weeks. In the unusual case where symptoms recur, additional application of prednisone or other synthetic steroids may be necessary.

    Predisposed Breeds

    • Dachshunds, collies and miniature poodles are predisposed to the disease.

      Certain breeds have a predilection for sterile nodular panniculitis. Dachshunds in particular have an increased risk of contracting the disease, as do miniature poodles and collies.