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Canine pyoderma is a condition that develops due to bacterial action on a dog’s skin. While not necessarily severe, it can become very serious if it spreads, causing ulcers and significant wounds that, if left untreated, can even lead to the animal’s death.
Fortunately, with early detection and proper treatment, symptoms usually disappear completely, and the affected skin area gradually returns to normal. Learn more about pyoderma in dogs here.
### What is Pyoderma in Dogs?
Canine pyoderma is an infection caused by bacteria (staphylococci) that weaken the skin, allowing other pathogens to enter and cause significant damage. Once the infection starts, the bacterial population grows exponentially, producing a series of symptoms.
One of the most alarming diseases for dog owners is canine pyoderma, as its symptoms are particularly unpleasant for animals. This condition causes intense itching, leading to eczema and wounds associated with continuous scratching of the affected areas.
Although it is a very common disease in dogs, it is nonetheless unpleasant, often resulting in hair loss and wound formation.
Certain circumstances can favor the development of this disease, the first being that the animal suffers from some type of allergy. The skin of these animals is more prone to other disorders, so much so that environmental allergy (atopy) is often associated with pyoderma in many cases.
Additionally, the presence of certain parasites is another factor promoting the disease, as mites’ action damages the skin, weakening it and making it more sensitive.
The occurrence of this bacterial infection is usually associated with periods when the animal’s immune defenses are weak, either due to a seasonal change or another disease, leading to bacterial growth because of the poor defense state of the animal.
### What are the Symptoms of Pyoderma in Dogs?
First, it is necessary to distinguish between superficial and deep pyoderma. The former affects the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, while the latter affects the dermis, the deeper layer, and can spread to subcutaneous tissue, creating a serious problem.
The primary symptom in affected animals is generalized localized itching, leading to constant scratching and licking. This action causes hair loss in the area and the appearance of wounds and crusts, which emit an unpleasant odor due to bacterial action.
Intense scratching leads to changes in hair follicles and their superficial or deep inflammation. This second form manifests as ulcers and nodules on the dog’s skin, leading to significant tissue destruction.
### Diagnosis and Treatment of Pyoderma in Dogs
A veterinarian must diagnose this disease through cytology (the study of the dog’s cells), although sometimes biopsy samples are necessary for laboratory analysis. After diagnosing the disease, the veterinarian prescribes antibiotic treatment, usually administered orally to the animal.
Healing pyoderma takes a long time, with treatment lasting a month for superficial pyoderma and at least a month and a half for deep pyoderma. To prevent bacterial resistance and recurrence of symptoms, treatment should continue for at least two weeks after infection signs have disappeared.
It is important to note that this disease can severely affect skin tissues or even cause muscle damage if it progresses unchecked and untreated. The course of this disease can lead to sepsis, a generalized infection that will most likely result in the animal’s death.
Antibiotic treatment can sometimes be supplemented with specific shampoos for treating pyoderma. These products contain an antiseptic, chlorhexidine, which helps remove bacteria from the skin.
### Hygiene and Dietary Tips
When it comes to home or natural remedies, none are truly effective. However, including fatty acids in the diet can effectively aid skin recovery and symptom control.
The best remedy for this disease is maintaining proper hygiene habits. Care such as deworming, healthy nutrition, bathing, and brushing are essential to ensure the dog’s strong resistance to this disease.
Finally, although pyoderma is not contagious to humans, the disease could be transmitted through direct contact with a wound.