CANINE PYODERMA

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Causative Agent(s)

Is cause by Bacteria: Staphylococcus spp. Parasites: F leas, ticks, mites

Other causes: Endocrine disorders, Allergies, Neoplastic and Inflammatory conditions.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Clinical signs include erythema, ulcerations, swelling, haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic, hair loss, purulent exudate, and crust. Superficial pyoderma or superficial folliculitis (SBF) is the most common reason for antibiotic usage in skin infections. There are increased chances of zoonosis with some staphylococcus species causing pyoderma.

Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnosis is based on physical examination, impression cytology of the skin lesion, microbial culture), diagnosis of other underlying triggers such as ectoparasites, allergies, Endocrinopathies, or poor hair coat.

Samples usually taken include purulent exudate for MCS and skin scraping for cytology.

Management and Treatment

Staphylococcus spp. are the most common pathogen causing pyoderma and they are beta lactamase producing bacteria, hence, antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin should be avoided. They may also be resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin.

First Line Antibiotics: (Pending MCS result) Amoxicillin-clavulanate 10-30mg/kg PO, IV q12hr) Clindamycin (5.5-33mg/kg PO, IM, IV q12hr)

Second Line Antibiotics

Cefixime (5-12.5mg/kg PO q12hr) Ceftriaxone (15-50mg/kg IM, IV q12hr)

*Ciprofloxacin (20-50mg PO, IV in dogs,10-20mg/kg IV q12hr in cats) can be considered as one of the last options in cases of antibiotic resistance.

The antibiotics should be sustained for 2-6 weeks depending on the severity of the condition.

Oral antifungal medications to be used for Yeast dermatitis include ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Fluconazole.

Caution/ contraindication: Cephalosporin should not be used in a lactating patient, in patients with history of allergies, renal dysfunction, bleeding disorders and hepatic dysfunction.

Adjunct/Supportive Therapy

Topical Therapy: Topical therapies can be used solely for treatment for superficial pyoderma.

Topical agents such as antimicrobial shampoos, conditioners and sprays that can be used include Chlorhexidine shampoo (2%-5%), benzoyl peroxide (2.5%-3%), and10% ethyl lactate-based shampoo.