ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING “A BAD ATTITUDE IS LIKE A FLAT TIRE, YOU CAN’T GET TOO FAR UNTIL YOU CHANGE IT.”

Pyodermas  PYODERMA Definition: Bacterial infection of skin, superficial or deep; Primary or secondary  Pyoderma occurs when:  skin surface broken  skin macerated(thin, soft) by chronic exposure to moisture  Normal bacteria altered  Circulation impaired  Immunocompetence impaired (aka immunosuppressed)  Superficial pyoderma- Lesion usually involve superficial epidermis and heals w/o scarring, short duration  Dogs - Staph intermedius  Cats – Pasteurella multocida  Common locations: the trunk

Pyoderma  Deep pyodermas – gram-negative organisms (E. coli, proteus sp, pseudomonas sp)  Common locations: chin, nose, pressure points, feet, generalized, skin folds  Risk factors  Allergies  Fungal infections  Endocrine diseases  Immune system incompetence  Seborrhea  Conformation – ex: skin folds  Trauma

Pyoderma  Physical Exam may show:  papules  pustules  crusts  epidermal collarettes  circular erythematous or hyperpigmented spots  alopecia  scaling  lichenification  abscess, cellulitis, etc..

PYODERMA ERYTHEMA, PUSTULES

Pyoderma EPIDERMAL COLLARETTES

Deep Pyoderma

DEEP PYODERMA

Deep Pyodermas  More difficult to treat than Superficial Pyodermas  Often chronic  Patients are often resistant to treatment or immunosuppressed  Frequently involves Staph intermedius, Proteus, Pseudomonas, e. Coli  Clinical Signs  Papules and pustules,  +/- fever  Draining fistulas

Deep Pyodermas  Dx: clinical signs  Tx:  Thorough cleaning  Systemic Antibioics (clavamox, baytril, cephalexin)  Client Info  Causative organism often drug resistant  Treatment may be prolonged and expensive in large breed dogs  Some animals will never fully recovery

CASE #11

Superficial Pyoderma: “Hot spot”

Superficial Pyoderma: “Hot Spot”

Superfical Pyodermas  Acute Moist Dermatitis, Superficial pyotraumatic dermatitis (“Hot Spots”)  Clinical Signs:  red, moist, painful areas, oozing  Common in thick coated dogs (Labs, Newfoundlands, Ger. Shepherds, Chows)  Usually in hot moist summer months  Hair loss, very pruritic  Develops very fast

Superficial Pyodermas  Dx: visual inspection of affected area  TX  Clip hair around lesion until skin normal  Cleanse skin with medicated shampoo  Topical Antibiotics/steroid creams or sprays  (ex: Betagen Spray)  Treat original disease (fleas, allergies)  Systemic steroids, Antibiotics  Client Info  Gentle cleansing BID  Owner should wash hands after treatment  E-collar may be necessary

CASE #12

Superficial Pyodermas  Impetigo (aka superficial pustular dermatitis)  Signalment: young dogs secondary to malnourishment and poor hygiene  Strep and Staph occasionally cultured from lesions  Clinical Signs: non-pruritic, non-painful pustules and papules on abdomen  Diagnosis: Physical signs  Treatment: Systemic Antibiotics, medicated shampoo  Client Info: Not contagious, usually clears by 6 months

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED “I AM, BECAUSE WE ARE.”

CASE #13

Skin Fold Pyoderma (aka Intertrigo)  Occurs in breeds with abundant skin  Facial folds, vulvar folds, tail folds  Spaniels, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Pugs, Bostons, obese dogs  Folds trap moisture, heat and bacteria  Usually chronic  Dx: Affected area moist, red, ulcerated

Skin Fold Pyoderma  Treatment: Relieve symptoms by cleaning and drying lesion  Sx reduction of skin fold may be only permanent solution  Weight loss in obese patients  Antibiotics, chlorhexidine-containing pledgets  Antibacterial and/or benzoyl peroxide shampoos  Client Info  Require long term medical management  Keep area dry and clean  Keep hair/folds away from eyes

Skin Fold Pyoderma – Vaginal Folds

Skin Fold Pyoderma – Lip Folds

CASE #14

Acne  Common in young short-haired dog breeds and cats - can be chronic  Clinical Signs:  Chin swollen and painful to touch, dark spots => black heads (comedones)  Dx: Appearance, r/o bite wounds, abscesses

ACNE  Rx:  clip hair on chin  clean daily with human acne product (helps with follicular flushing)  systemic antibiotics  Topical Mupirocin ointment or cream  Client Info:  May become chronic  Daily cleaning of chin  Use only ceramic or stainless steel bowls – NO PLASTIC