Have you observed the frequency with which your pet scratches and licks its body? Have you noticed any abnormal bumps or sores on their skin?
If you have, your dog may be experiencing pyoderma, a prevalent skin condition.
Pyoderma in dogs can arise from various factors, such as allergies, parasites, or hormone imbalances.
This condition can significantly affect your pet and cause discomfort if not addressed.
This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of canine pyoderma so you can safeguard your pet’s overall health and ensure its well-being.
What is Pyoderma?
Pyoderma in dogs is a skin condition characterized by pus-filled lesions or sores on the skin.
Bacterial infections, specifically Staphylococcus spp, commonly cause it. Also, various underlying factors can trigger pyoderma.
The condition often manifests as itching, redness, inflammation, hair loss, and a foul odor from the affected areas.
Dogs may scratch, lick, or bite at the affected regions excessively, exacerbating the problem.
A vet will collect samples for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing to diagnose pyoderma. Then, they may conduct extra tests to identify any underlying causes.
Treatment usually involves several oral antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. Additional therapies, such as immune-modulating medications, may be necessary in chronic cases.
To avoid divulging so much while only defining, let us move on to other sections of this topic, “pyoderma in dogs.”
Types of Pyoderma in Dogs
The most typical type of pyoderma is the surface pyoderma, which affects the outer layer of the skin.
Symptoms can vary but often include redness, inflammation, and hair loss. One of the most frequent forms of surface pyoderma is pyotraumatic dermatitis or “hot spots.
It develops fast and causes intense itching in the affected area. Intertrigo is another surface pyoderma form affecting short-muzzled breeds like English Bulldogs.
It occurs when bacteria and moisture become trapped in deep skin folds.
Lastly, bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOGS) results from an accumulation of bacteria on the dog’s skin. This leads to greasy, itchy patches that give off a strong smell.
Causes of Pyoderma in Dogs
Bacterial skin infections are the most common cause of pyoderma in dogs. These infections occur when the skin’s protective barrier breaks or compromises.
This can happen due to excessive moisture, injury, or changes in the normal bacteria living on the skin.
A specific type of pyoderma takes shape in areas where the skin often contacts other body surfaces.
This type of pyoderma can be triggered by obesity when adjacent skin folds overlap. This then forms an area that provides warmth and humidity, allowing bacterial growth.
Female dogs with many litters are more prone to this infection between their mammary glands.
So, it is important to clean and dry your dog’s skin folds after bathing or swimming. This will prevent moisture buildup that could lead to pyoderma.
Symptoms of Pyoderma
Pyoderma symptoms vary. Yet, the most recognizable is the appearance of papules or pustules, like human pimples.
These lesions are usually red and raised, with a white center that has a pus-like substance. So, they appear very visible in the affected area.
Other signs include circular crusts on the skin, dry or flaky patches, hair loss, and itching, which can cause discomfort for your pet.
In shorter-haired pets, the coat may appear to protrude or stick up. Because of patchy hair loss, this may make the pet look more like hives or moth-eaten.
Also, wet skin layers may present, especially around the toes or even in folds, which could produce an unpleasant musty smell.
If you notice these symptoms, visit your vet to examine them closely and run various tests.
Treatment of Pyoderma in Dogs
The typical treatment is antibiotic therapy, which must continue for three to four weeks.
In some cases where pyoderma is chronic or recurrent, a skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity test are performed.
This ensures that the optimal medication is chosen, as antibiotics may need to be used for 8 to 12 weeks.
Common antibiotics include amoxicillin, cephalexin, and clindamycin. However, if your dog has resistance bacteria, it may need enrofloxacin.
Apart from medicines, topical treatments may be useful once or twice weekly for three to four weeks.
Besides medications, your pet must have clean, dry, padded bedding, as wet environments can increase the number of affected skin areas.
Thus, follow all the instructions given by your vet closely and provide proper care and hygiene for your pet at home.
Bottom Line
Knowing your dog has pyoderma can be distressing. But with the right care and attention, your pet can improve and live a long, healthy life.
Working with your vet will help you choose your dog’s best action.
Also, watch your dog’s behavior and symptoms, as pyoderma may signify an underlying medical problem.
By being patient and providing regular care, you can allow your dog to enjoy many more years of wagging tails and wonderful memories.
