Pyoderma is a bacterial infection that affects the skin on canines. Both puppies and adult dogs can develop the condition. Red, itchy skin that contains lesions, pustules and draining sores are all characteristics of skin with pyoderma, according to the veterinary website PetPlace.com. Management of the condition depends on the severity of the infection. However, by following a few precautions, it may be possible to prevent a future pyoderma occurrence.
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The Principles of Pyoderma
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There are three possible types of pyoderma your dog could contract, states PetPlace.com̵2;surface, superficial and deep. Surface pyoderma occurs on the surface of the skin, superficial pyoderma occurs within the skin and deep pyoderma occurs under the skin. Surface pyoderma often appears as a hot spot̵2;a moist, red lesion. Superficial pydoderma is commonly caused by staphylococcus intermedius, which is the culprit for staph infections. Deep pyoderma is rare, but usually serious.
A veterinarian can usually diagnose pyoderma based on findings from his examination of the dog. Cultures and cytologies may also be needed to definitively diagnose the condition, particularly if the pyoderma is deep. Depending upon which pyoderma the dog is suffering from, treatment may involve antibiotics, shampoos or medication to treat an underlying problem.
Preventing Pyoderma
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Pyoderma is often the result of another problem, according to the animal information website PetEducation.com. For instance, a hot spot caused by surface pyoderma may be indicative of allergies. Fleas and lice can also cause pyoderma. If this is suspected, place your dog on antihistamines or other allergy medications to prevent a future pyoderma flare-up. Bathing your dog in soothing shampoos can help keep the skin calm and free of irritation. Brushing the dog and keeping its fur mat-free will also prevent skin irritation. In addition, consider conducting allergy testing or a food trial to determine the allergenic culprit. Knowing what the problem is and avoiding it can help prevent pyoderma. Place your dog on a flea and lice preventative to eliminate the threat of these pyoderma-causing parasites.
Systemic issues can also cause chronic pyoderma. In cases in which the dog is suspected of having immune-suppression issues or deep pyoderma, have your veterinarian perform blood tests to check for underlying issues. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn̵7;t produce enough hormones, may cause pyoderma, states PetPlace.com. In addition, Cushing̵7;s Disease, which occurs when the adrenal glands create too much of the cortisol hormone, can cause immune problems that lead to pyoderma. Talk to your veterinarian about testing for these issues. Both hypothyroidism and Cushing̵7;s Disease can be treated by the administration of medication. Once these conditions are managed, the chronic pyoderma may be resolved.
In the case of chronic pyoderma, unfortunately, there is no quick fix. But by determining and diagnosing the cause of the skin condition, it can be easily prevented by administering the appropriate treatments.
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