Pyoderma in Dogs
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin. According to Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), it is the second most common cause of skin inflammation in dogs. Canine pyoderma is almost always caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus intermedius, although the bacterium E. coli can also infect skin that is already compromised by trauma, fleas, mange or allergies.
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Types
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There are three types of pyoderma which are classifed by the depth of the lesions: surface (infection on the skin surface), superficial (infection within the skin layer) and deep (infection below the skin layer).
Significance
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Surface pyoderma is a primary infection typically caused by your dog scratching and biting an itchy patch of skin. Superficial and deep pyodermas are generally secondary infections indicative of another illness such as an immune system disorder, hormonal disorder or cancer.
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Symptoms
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Pyoderma first appears as a rash on your dog's nose, chin, feet or trunk. If allowed to progress, the infection may develop pustules (pus-filled pimples); blood blisters; red, itchy lesions; crusty, scaly or discolored skin spots; inflammation; or hair loss.
Diagnosis
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Common tests used to diagnose pyoderma include a detailed medical history, complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, cytology, culture and biopsy. Further tests may be ordered to determine the underlying cause of the pyoderma.
Treatment
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Treatment for your dog's pyroderma may include antibiotic medication and an anti-bacterial cream or shampoo. If your veterinarian has diagnosed an underlying illness, specific treatment for that condition will be prescribed.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for dogs with pyoderma varies. If the cause of the pyoderma is successfully identified and treated, the prognosis is good. Otherwise, the pyoderma could become a recurrent problem.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit office.microsoft.com
Comments
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My dog was diagnosed with Pyoderma in November and was given antibiotics and a shampoo. her condition although improved has not gone away and now is back full force. An added concern is that her inner thighs and belly have turned completely black? Is this part of Pyoderma? her belly use to be pink then back in October/November she started getting large dark spots on her belly along with the redish sores and flacking of the skin and hair loss but now her inner thighs are solid black? Is this normal?
