Staph Pyoderma in Dogs

Staph pyoderma, also called a staph infection, is a condition that affects the skin of dogs. Staph pyoderma can affect dogs of any breed or age and can become quite severe. If you suspect that your dog may have staph pyoderma, contact a veterinarian immediately, as the infection can get progressively worse.

  1. The Facts

    • Staph pyoderma is an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus intermedius. This skin condition typically causes a superficial pyoderma, in which an infection is present within the skin. The infection can stay on the skin or travel inside the body, causing a deep infection.

    Symptoms

    • The types of symptoms that are present with staph pyoderma depend upon the severity of the infection. According to an article by Drs. Foster and Smith at peteducation.com, dogs with staph pyodermas usually experience redness, irritation and itching of the skin. The dog may also develop pustules, crusty skin lesions and draining sores. The symptoms often appear on the dog's stomach area.

    Causes

    • Superficial pyodermas are often caused by an underlying health problem with the dog, such as Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism, suggests Drs. Foster and Smith. These types of diseases can cause a suppression of the immune system, which then allows bacteria to establish an infection within the skin. Excessive use of corticosteroids can also suppress the immune system.

    Diagnosis

    • According to Drs. Foster and Smith, a doctor can open a pustule and collect its contents, which can then be examined under a microscope. The doctor can often determine if bacteria, white blood cells or other matter is present within the pustule. In addition, the doctor can perform a culture on the dog to determine what bacteria is growing; however, some doctors hesitate to perform this type of test since the bacteria present is almost always Staphylococcus intermedius.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of staph pyoderma should first begin with identifying any underlying condition. Unless this problem is resolved, the infection could continue to recur. Oral antibiotics may be indicated for the infection and may be needed for several months if the infection is deep. In addition, topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, lotions and creams can be used in conjunction with the oral medications.