Bacterial Skin Infection in Dogs & Cats

Pyoderma

When an animal's skin is cut or wounded, there is an increased risk of infection. Pyoderma refers to a bacterial infection of the skin that is very common in dogs, but uncommon in cats. Lesions and pustules (inflamed pus-filled swelling) on the skin, and in some cases partial hair loss, often characterize the infection. Treatment is typically given on an outpatient basis and prognosis is good.

Symptoms and Types

• Itchiness
• Small, raised lesions
• Pustules
• Loss of hair (alopecia)
• Crusted skin
• Dried discharge in affected area

The infection can occur on the superficial layers of the skin, or if there is a deep laceration, in the inner folds of the skin. The latter infection is referred to as deep pyoderma.

Causes

While this bacterial infection can occur in any breed, there are a few that are predisposed to developing pyoderma, including:

• German Shepherds with short coats
• Dog or cat breeds with skin folds
• Dog or cat breeds with pressure calluses
• Dogs with Staphlococcus intermedius
• Cats with Pasturella multocida

Animals have a higher risk of developing an infection when they have a fungal infection or an endocrine disease such as hyperthyroidism, or have allergies to fleas, food ingredients, or parasites such as Demodex.

Diagnosis

In most cases the condition will be examined on a superficial basis and treated accordingly. In the event that the pyoderma appears to be deeper in the skin, skin scrapings, skin biopsies and an examination of bacterial cells (smear) may be performed to see if the condition is a result of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Treatment

The infection typically responds favorably to medical treatment. Treatment is in most cases outpatient and will involve external (topical) medications, as well as antibiotics for the infection. An antibiotic treatment regimen is generally prescribed for more than a month to ensure that the entire infection is eliminated from the animal's system, which should also reduce the incidence of recurrence.

Living and Management

There is the possible complication of bacteria spreading into the blood, so it is important to observe the animal's recovery time and to notify the veterinarian in the event that other symptoms develop or the condition worsens.

Prevention

Routine bathing of the animal’s wounds in benzoyl peroxide or other medicated shampoos can reduce the incidence of infection initially, and will help after to prevent recurrence.