Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin and can affect any part of your dog’s body. The Weimaraner is one of the breeds that are prone to certain types of pyoderma, such as pododermatitis, which affects the feet, and recurrent pyoderma. They can attract this bacterial skin infection on any part of their body as well. The impact from pyoderma in your Weimaraner can range from very mild to severe, and can lead to discomfort, which can be treated effectively once a definitive diagnosis is made.
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Types
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According to the Petplace.com, there are different types and degrees of pyoderma. Surface pyoderma is an infection of the skin surface, superficial pyoderma is an infection within the skin and deep pyoderma is under the skin. Weimaraners are prone to pododermatitis pyoderma, which is an inflammatory skin infection of the feet. Recurrent pyoderma, as stated by vin.com, is due to a deficient immune system in your Weimaraner, causing recurrence of any type of pyoderma.
Symptoms
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Most often, the signs and symptoms of pyoderma are licking and scratching at the affected areas, redness, painful lesions that may be ulcerated, pustules and draining sores. As the condition advances, there could be dry crusted areas with loss of hair and an odor.
Causes
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As stated on healthypetu.com, a staph bacterium is the most common cause of pyoderma in your Weimaraner, which is not contagious to humans and other animals. Other contributing factors in various pyodermas are parasites, trauma, allergies, fungal infections, hyperthyroidism, immune disorders (common for the Weimaraner), cancer and other idiopathic causes.
Diagnosis
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Your dog will undergo a complete physical examination by your veterinarian which will include a complete medical history of your dog’s symptoms. Testing may include cytology and a skin culture of the affected area(s). Other tests may be a complete blood count and other blood analysis plus a test for allergies.
Treatment
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An antibiotic to kill the bacterial infection may be prescribed along with an anti-bacterial shampoo and/or anti-bacterial topical creams which contain benzoyl peroxide, ethyl alcohol or chlorhexidine.
Home Care/Prevention
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Some pyoderma may not be prevented from affecting your Weimaraner, but with some special care, you can keep your dog healthy. Parasites are a common cause and a preventative program should be followed to avoid infestation, per the advice of your vet. Keep your dog clean, and attend to any open cuts and sores immediately so they do not get infected. Attentive home care along with working closely with your vet will keep your Weimaraner’s skin and coat in healthy condition.
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