Superficial pyoderma is an irritating skin condition that is seen in dogs, often resulting to (or from) excessive licking of the skin.  It can be very unsightly and somewhat unsanitary to see your dog constantly licking itself until all the hair and skin is slobbered with dog drool.  In severe conditions, pus can even drain and stain beddings of your dog.

Cause of Pyoderma

Pyoderma is caused by Staphylococcus intermedius that inoculates itself through the break of the skin in dogs.  The bacteria will then colonize themselves and cause an infection as well as inflammatory condition that can result to numerous signs and symptoms that can produce discomfort.  There are a number of conditions that can cause the break in your dog’s skin and can become risk factors for bacterial infections.  These conditions are:

• Scabies
• Allergy
• Atopic dermatitis
• Flea bites
• Poor grooming
• Use of immunosuppressant drugs (e.g. glucocorticoids)
• Presence of autoimmune disorders
• Trauma
• Bites that are either self-inflicted or from other animals
• Poor diet

Signs and Symptoms of Pyoderma

Once the bacteria triggers an inflammatory reaction after infecting your dog, these signs and symptoms manifest themselves and may indicate prompt medical attention.

• Rash that is commonly starts at the trunk, eventually spreading to the entire body
• Itchiness
• Formation of pustules or pimples filled with puss
• Red, and at times, warm skin.
• Alopecia or patches of hair loss, often circumscribed and red
• Greasy coat due to stimulation of oil glands

Treatment of Pyoderma

If pyoderma is secondary to an underlying condition, it is advised to address that condition before you treat pyoderma.  Often times, the signs and symptoms of pyoderma will resolve themselves when the underlying cause is treated.  Treating pyoderma without addressing the main cause will only make your efforts useless.

If your dog is taking glucocorticoids or corticosteroids, wait until the end of the therapy before you apply treatment.  If you suspect that your dog is allergic to something, find out what is causing that allergy and do your best to remove the allergen in your dog’s diet.  Do remember that allergens are not limited to food.  Your dog’s shampoo, flea powder, or even supplements can cause the allergy.

However, if your dog’s condition is so severe, your vet may advice you treat the pyoderma along with the underlying condition.   As you are curing the cause, you may want to place special attention to your dog’s hygiene and grooming.

It is important that you bathe our dog every 2 to 7 days to help wash out the scabs that can be additional sources of nutrients for the bacteria.  Use an antibacterial shampoo containing chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, or ethyllactate to wipe out the colony of bacteria.

Your vet may also prescribe a systemic antibiotic to be given orally to your dog for 3-4 weeks plus an additional 1 week after the clinical manifestations are gone.  If you notice your dog experiencing pyoderma a week after stopping the therapy, it indicates that the antibiotic therapy was inadequate and must be restarted a bit aggressively compared to the previous treatment.

There are instances during antibiotic therapy that symptoms do not improve.  This means that the bacteria are resistant to the current antibiotic therapy.  Culture and sensitivity tests may be done to target the exact medication that can eradicate the bacteria and therapy needs to be restarted.

Your dog will improve as long as the underlying cause is eliminated and the appropriate therapy is given.  Make sure to keep up with your dog’s scheduled check up to see if the therapy is effective or needs to be modified.