Pyoderma Infection

Types &Symptoms

• Veterinary dermatologists classify bacterial pyodermas in dogs into three categories---surface, superficial and deep---says Dr. Peter J. Ihrke in "Bacterial Sink Disease in the Dog: A Guide to Canine Pyoderma".

  Your dog develops surface pyoderma, called a "hot spot", by over-scratching an itchy problem, typically fleabites or allergies. This self-trauma causes a sore that becomes infected, with hair loss and a wet, moist appearance. Skin fold pyoderma (another surface pyoderma) occurs in the deep folds of skin around the face, tail and or vulva when they become moist, are not cleaned regularly and allowed to dry. You might notice a sore with a particular, yeasty smell around the folds of skin on your English bulldog, shar pei, pug or Boston terrier as these breeds are particularly predisposed to this condition.

  Superficial pyoderma occurs under the initial skin layers when self-trauma from scratching or a dog's suppressed immune systems allows the bacterium Staphylococcus intermedius to invade and multiply, says Dr. Mark Thomson at Pet Place.com. You may observe pustules (pus-filled bumps) around your dog's hair follicles that cause hair loss when they rupture.

  Dogs with deep pyoderma, a more severe skin infection that invades the subcutaneal and dermal portions of the skin, show open, draining sores and typically run a high fever. They will refuse food and become lethargic and depressed. Dr. Thomson states, "All dogs with this form of pyderma are assumed to have suppressed immune systems."

Cause

• According to the veterinary dermatologists at The Skin Vet Clinic in Oregon, normal bacteria populate the surface of your dog's skin. When some trauma or underlying health condition allows the bacteria to grow without limitation, this over-population adheres to warm, moist areas on the dog (facial folds, in between the toes and around the vulva and tail) and causes infection.

Considerations

• Pets diagnosed with hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease may be predisposed to develop skin infections due to the moist skin conditions inherent in both diseases. Dogs with flea and food allergies often incur pyodermas because of their incessant scratching of itching skin that causes sores and infections.

  "In some dogs, pyoderma recurs because of a problem with the immune system," says The Skin Vet Clinic; in which case, veterinarians attempt to diagnose the initial problem while dealing with the skin infection.

Diagnosis

• Your veterinarian may suggest blood tests to rule out any hidden diseases when examining your pet's skin infections, and recommend that the bacteria in open pustules be examined under a microscope to determine the type and extent of the disease. If your dog suffers from deep pyoderma, the vet might perform a fine needle biopsy of the lesion and culture the bacteria to determine the exact type of necessary treatment.

Treatment

• The most common form of treatment for canine pyoderma begins with the administrations of antibiotics, says Dr. Carlo Vitale of DVM Newsmagazine. He suggests following antibiotics with a medicated topical shampoo including chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide to continue anti-bacterial treatment. Most veterinary antibiotic protocols call for giving the drug to your dog for anywhere from three to eight weeks, while maintaining strict flea control and treating any underlying disorders. Some veterinarians might recommend additional medications to relieve any gastrointestinal stress your dog experiences brought on by extended antibiotic use.