Saturday, December 24, 2011

Yikes. I See a Blemish on My Puppy

By Cathy Doggins


One of the skin diseases frequently seen in canine health is a bacterial or other type of infection that results in the creation of skin pustules. In general, skin spots are known as being pyogenic, meaning a pus filled pimple or lump. As a most important step, a vet examining any infection attempts to understand it based mostly on the severity of the issue. Contagions are referred to as surface pyoderma (the least problmatic), superficial pyoderma and deep pydomera. While the term pyogenic makes reference to the presence of pus, it might not be seen in all dog skin disorder cases as the pus can be hidden from view.

Top level view of Each Kind of Infection

Early stage infections on the "surface" of the skin only colonize on the outer epidermal surface. These are often found between follicles or at more than one follicle location. This kind of skin infection generally doesn't cause pus filled spots or pustules. This disease is also called acute moist dermatitis, skin fold pyoderma or bacterial overgrowth. Skin folds are an ideal breeding ground for infection since they're moist. The epidermis frequently rubs together in these locations, harming the epidermal layers natural protective shield for prevention of illness.

The next level of severity, superficial infections, involve deeper levels of infection in the skin. Symptoms can include pustules (pus filled lumps). An affliction called puppy impetigo is common in adolescents, result in symptoms like pimples that form at the mouth of and between hair follicles. When the term pyogenic is utilized as in superficial pyoderma, both the hair follicles and the skin areas between hair follicles are affected.

Deep pyomdera is the description used when the infection reaches the deeper skin layers. This condition ends up in issues like furunculosis (presence of multiple skin boils), cellulitis (nflammation of subcutaneous or connecting tissue), granulomatous disease (expansion of tiny veins and connective tissue), and panniculitis (swelling of the skin fat).

Bacteria that Cause Skin Infections

The micro-organism staphylococci ( Staphylococcus intermedius) is the reason behind over 90% of skin illnesses.Other bacteria found includes S. Aureus and S. Hyicus. This is not to claim these are the only bacteria found. Other bacteria found includes Proteus spp. And E. Coli. Other factors like an open skin wound can improve the possibility that damaging bacteria will enter the skin.

In general, most illnesses are established in patients with a depressed immunological system caused by another underlying condition. This allows the staphylococci to amass on the surface of the skin, where it multiplies and causes infection.

Diganosis of Dog Skin Ulceration and Infection

The vet will diagnose the type of pyogenic disorder based on the dog's history, and a review of the lesions (locations etc.). Skin samples tested will confirm the presence of one or more infectious agents and aid with the selection of the appropriate medications. Each form of bacteria can be present in only one area of the body (localized) or infection can be generalized (in multiple locations). Breeds with a predilection to deep pyoderma are English bulldogs and Doberman pinschers. Even without knowing the exact bacteria or other infectious agent, a vet may recommend a medicated shampoo and an antibiotic to see if the skin lesions respond to treatment.

If the skin disorder doesn't get better, then the vet will have to rethink the medication identified, the dose administered, and if a more intrusive type of bacteria is at work that needs advanced testing. Different kinds of treatment many also be beneficial such as the day-to-day use of a whirlpool or soaking baths in water combined with an anti-bacterial.












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