Pyoderma in Dogs

Importance of dogs as pets has increased and they are considered extension of

the family. Large and giant breeds are also kept as watch dogs in the households as well

as in farm houses. Bangalore being an important IT capital, it has been found that there

has been a sharp rise in the dog population and concern from the owner for their good

health.

Pyoderma or cutaneous bacterial infection is one of the common syndromes

encountered in canine practice (Mason; 1997, Pradis; 1998). Virtually any primary

canine skin disorder and several systemic diseases can lead to pyoderma. (Mason

1997). It is one of the most frequently seen conditions in small animal practice and yet

also one of the most frustrating to treat (Craig, 2003).

Primary diseases leading to pyoderma include hypersensitivity, ectoparasitism

and metabolic endocrine diseases (Mason, 1997). However there are cases in which a

deligent search does not reveal a cause for pyoderma and the disease recurs, which is

referred to as idiopathic pyoderma and such pyoderma may require life long

antimicrobial therapy (Mason, 1997). It is also suggested that the epidermal barrier is

less developed in dogs than in other mammals. Therefore, canine skin may be inherently

susceptible to pyoderma than that of other species (Mason, 1991). Despite their

frequency of occurrence many pyodermas are misdiagnosed or improperly managed

(Ihrke, 1987).

It is well documented in dogs that pyoderma is almost always attributable to the

coagulase positive organisms Staphylococus intermedius (Kunkle 1987, Ihrke 1987,

Mason 1991).Microbiologic testing techniques now allow laboratory personnel to

differentiate S. intermedius from S.aureus, the major stophylococcal pathogen in

humans (Kunkle 1987, Hill and Moriello 1994, Hesselbarth et.al 1994). Gram-negative

bacteria such as Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Escherichia coli may be found as

secondary invaders of pyoderma (Kwochka 1993). Reports have suggested that

coagulase positive staphylococci are normally carried on the hair coat, providing a

source of infectious organisms for skin under appropriate conditions (Kwochka 1993).

Author: Kamran C. Ansar
Publisher: Independent Author
Published: 12/20/2022
Pages: 106
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.34lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.22d
ISBN: 9785671344219