Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin

The development of pyoderma depends upon several factors. The most important is the host’s response to bacterial invasion.

All pyodermas will need to be on antibiotics for a MINIMUM of 21 days. Topical therapy is often indicated in the form of special shampoos.

What is it?

Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin which may involve different layers. Superficial pyodermas are within the skin near the surface and can often be recognized by the presence of circular crusting lesions or red pimples. Deep pyodermas occur when bacteria invade structures beneath and beyond the hair follicle. This can be recognized in most cases because pus can be expressed from the skin lesions.

Staphylococcus intermedius is considered to be the prime bacterial pathogen of the skin. The bacteria rarely infect normal skin, but can if there are injured or inflamed skin surfaces.

The development of pyoderma depends upon several factors. The most important is the host’s response to bacterial invasion. Some of the more common causes of recurrent or deep pyodermas are:

1. Drug induced (cortisone = steroids)

2. Immune deficiency or depression

3. Hormonal (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism)

4. Allergic (pollen allergy, food allergy, flea allergy)

5. Parasitic (demodicosis, scabies, fleas)

6. Keratinization abnormalities (seborrhea)

7. Immune-mediated (pemphigus, lupus)

8. Fungal (ringworm)

9. Staph hypersensitivity (allergy to pet’s own bacteria)

10. Neoplasia (cancer)

Diagnosis

The work up for a pyoderma is quite variable and depends on the severity and duration of the problem, previous response to treatment, and initial clinical impression. The work up may include:

TEST INDICATIONS

1. Impression skin smear Type of bacteria, allergy, immune-mediated

2. Skin scrapings Parasites

3. Fungal culture Ringworm

4. Skin biopsies Hormonal, immune-mediated, allergy,

fungal, bacterial, parasitic

5. Urinalysis Internal diseases

6. CBC, chemistry panel Internal diseases

7. Thyroid panel Thyroid gland abnormality

8. Cortisol panel Adrenal gland abnormality

9. Culture Type of bacteria, what antibiotic to use

10. Histamine test Drug interference

11. Skin testing Atopy (pollen allergy)

Treatment

Treatment of pyoderma also can be quite variable. Correction or control of the underlying cause is one of our goals. All pyodermas will need to be on antibiotics for a MINIMUM of 21 days. Topical therapy is often indicated in the form of special shampoos.

Prognosis

The prognosis for most superficial pyodermas is good. The deep pyodermas are much more difficult to cure/control. The information gained from the laboratory tests will give us a more precise diagnosis and prognosis. Occasionally, after all of the causes have been eliminated, the pyoderma returns. In these cases, immune stimulating drugs will be tried.