Pyoderma literally means “pus in the skin.” It can be caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer and is common in dogs. Most cases of pyoderma are caused by bacterial infections. Most of these are superficial and secondary to a variety of other conditions, such as allergies or parasites.
Most common organism usually isolated in pyoderma is Staphyloccus aureus, which may be either methicilllin-sensitive (MSSA) or methicilllin-resistant (MRSA). MRSA is an important health care associated pathogen. Many of these isolates are becoming multidrug resistant.
The predominant pathogen that causes superficial pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (1) (formerly S. intermedius), a commensal bacterium that resides on the mucosal and skin surfaces of dogs (4,5). These resident strains may act as opportunistic pathogens and cause infection, primarily involving the skin.
The exact cause of pyoderma gangrenosum is unknown. The condition is not infectious or contagious. It's often associated with autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and arthritis.
What Is Lip Fold Pyoderma & Why Does It Develop? Pyoderma is caused by the formation of bacteria, which thrive in the tight, dark and moist spaces between dog wrinkles. Skin folds create a warm, humid environment.
Pyoderma is defined as a bacterial skin infection. Pyoderma may also be referred to as impetigo, especially in young puppies.
The lips, nose, skin around the eyes, vulva, prepuce, and the area around the anus are most commonly affected. German Shepherds, Bichon Frisés, and poodles may be predisposed. Deep pyoderma affects lower skin layers (dermis, subcutis): This can occur if superficial pyoderma goes untreated or skin follicles rupture.
At the margins of the hair loss, there may be redness and welts but these signs are often absent in shorthaired breeds. The signs of deep pyoderma in dogs include pain, crusting, odor, and secretions of blood and pus.
It is normal to have some bacteria on the skin—but it is not normal when it turns into an infection. Usually, pyoderma is caused by a health issue such as a staph infection. This means that pyoderma itself is not contagious—your dog can't catch it from another dog.
More specifically, lip fold pyoderma relates to skin infections that occur in the skin folds around the lips. Lip fold pyoderma is common in breeds that have large folds, or skin flaps, around their lips. Common examples include Spaniels, St Bernard's, Basset Hounds, and Bulldogs.
Pyoderm is a shampoo containing chlorhexidine and is recommended as a hygiene product to support the treatment of (bacterial and fungal) skin infections in dogs and cats.
Antibiotic classes that are usually effective for canine pyoderma include:
The mechanism of production of skin lesions is unproved, but it is most likely caused by intradermal inoculation of surface organisms by abrasions, minor trauma, or insect bites. Frequently, there is a transfer of the streptococcal strains from the skin and/or pyoderma lesions to the upper respiratory tract.
PG is still a potentially life-threatening with a mortality rate of up to 30% in some series [70]. Deep purulent ulcerations due to pyoderma gangraenosum.
The typical treatment for pyoderma is antibiotic therapy for a minimum of three to four weeks. In chronic or recurrent cases, it is important to perform a skin culture and antibiotic sensitivity test to ensure that the proper antibiotic is used. Antibiotics in these cases may be needed for 8 to 12 weeks.