Fact Sheet

About Pyodermas in Dogs

Contributor
By Yvette Marie
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
About Pyodermas in Dogs
About Pyodermas in Dogs
www.sxc.hu, stockvault.net, office.microsoft.com

Pyoderma is a type of bacterial skin infection. According to Pet Place, pyoderma can range from a mild irritant to a severe systemic infection. In all cases, veterinary treatment is required.

    Types

  1. Pyodermas are categorized by lesion depth. There are three types: surface (on the skin surface only), superficial (within the skin layer) and deep (below the skin layer).
  2. Cause

  3.  
    According to Rural Area Veterinary Services, the most common cause of canine pyoderma is the bacterium staphylococcus, although E. coli can also invade previously compromised skin.
  4. Risk Factors

  5. Certain conditions place your dog at risk for developing pyoderma. Risk factors include parasitic infestation, allergies, poor hygiene, immune system disorder, hormonal dysfunction and trauma.
  6. Signs

  7.  
    According to Pet Place, symptoms of pyoderma include red, itchy, painful skin lesions; pimples (may be pus-filled); blood blisters; crusty, scaly spots; and draining sores.
  8. Diagnosis

  9. Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on your dog's medical history and diagnostic tests. Tests may include a biopsy, lesion culture, cytology, complete blood count (CBC), skin scrapes and allergy tests.
  10. Treatment

  11.  
    Generally, pyodermas are treated with antibiotics or an antifungal cream or shampoo. Dogs with widespread, deep pyodermas may require hospitalization, intravenous medication, fluid therapy and daily whirlpool baths.
Who Can Help
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

Related Ads

Get Free Pets Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US † requires javascript

eHow Pets
eHow_eHow Pets