What Causes Skin Infections In Dogs

What is Bacterial Infection of the Skin?

Many species of bacteria normally reside on the peel of dogs without causing any signs. Infection develops when conditions create an surround where bacteria can proliferate. This could be a flea infestation, an allergic reaction, a wound, or an underlying disease that depletes the immune organisation. Many different types of bacteria may be involved, merely the virtually common species associated with pyoderma in dogs is staphylococcus pseudointermedius. The name pyoderma comes from the Greek words for "pus" and "skin," so this term refers to whatsoever bacterial skin infection that exudes pus. Dogs may have cerise itchy patches of pustules that seep blood and discharge when they intermission. Severe infections may develop into painful ulcerations and boils. Bacteria flourish in moist conditions, and so many pyoderma infections are caused past another condition that adds oil and wet to the skin. Signs are more than often found in the skin folds, or effectually areas of broken irritated skin. Sometime infections are often treatable with antibiotics, but some dogs may have recurrent symptoms due to an allergy or an endocrine imbalance like hypothyroidism or Cushing's illness. In this case, the underlying condition will also need to exist treated. Recurrent infections tin be more problematic, specially if they lead to the development of antibody resistant bacteria.

Dogs can develop an infection when normal bacteria in the skin proliferate excessively. Infected dogs can have areas of redness, rash-similar pustules, and pilus loss.

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Symptoms of Bacterial Infection of the Skin in Dogs

Signs tin can range from balmy irritation to severe and painful infection. Run into your veterinary if you notice any of the post-obit signs.

Pimple-like pustules on the skin
Dry patches of flaking peel
Itching
Crusted skin
Infected hair follicles
Alopecia (hair loss)
Hair standing on end
Seeping of blood or pus
Swelling or ulcerated peel
Odor

Types

Veterinarians use several different terms to define types of pyoderma.

Elementary – a one-fourth dimension response
Complex – infections that are recurrent or associated with an underlying disease
Focal – infection developing in a specific area
Generalized – covering the entire body
Superficial – infection of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and pilus follicles
Deep – more astringent infection involving the dermis (deeper layer of the pare)

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Causes of Bacterial Infection of the Pare in Dogs

Pyoderma can be associated with many different conditions and veterinarians often struggle to find the exact crusade. The following conditions are often related.

Flea infection
Allergic reaction
Whatsoever chronic form of dermatitis
Fungal or yeast infection (Malassezia)
Wound
Broken peel from scratching
Poor grooming
Endocrine imbalance that reduces lymphocyte counts like Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), and hypothyroidism
Hereditary (some dogs are more prone to developing infection)

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Diagnosis of Bacterial Infection of the Pare in Dogs

The veterinary will perform a complete physical examination. Signs of skin infection will suggest pyoderma. Blood and urine tests will assist to determine the underlying cause. Prison cell cultures may be taken of the infected area and examined microscopically to make up one's mind what organisms are present. Malassezia fungal infections are commonly establish concurrent with bacterial pyoderma. The veterinarian will also check for the presence other parasites. In some cases, the culture may be sent to a lab to analyze the bacteria'southward resistance to antibiotics and make up one's mind the best treatment.

The veterinarian volition demand to know your canis familiaris's medical history and current medications. If your dog is taking a steroid, or another medication that suppresses the immune arrangement this is of import since it will limit the effectiveness of an antibiotic. Any prior peel infections or treatment with antibiotics is also relevant.

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Handling of Bacterial Infection of the Skin in Dogs

Nigh dogs with pyoderma will be treated with an oral antibiotic besides as topical sprays and shampoos. Many different antibiotics may exist prescribed. The veterinarian volition choose the one that best fits your dog'south infection. Antibiotic treatment will last from 2 to half dozen weeks. Your canis familiaris will demand to continue taking the medication at least a week after the symptoms of infection take been resolved in social club to ensure that bacteria don't survive and develop resistance.

Your will need to bathe your canis familiaris with a medicated shampoo several times a week during treatment. Dogs with severe, deep, pyoderma may need to be shampooed daily. Your veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine, or another antiseptic agent. A topical antibacterial ointment or spray will likely be prescribed also.

To avoid recurrence, handling will likewise need to focus on the underlying cause. The veterinarian will prescribe medication to care for hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. Different treatment could exist needed depending on the cause of these conditions. If a food allergy is suspected, the veterinarian may recommend a diet change or suggest eliminating different foods to observe the cause of the allergy. Treatment may also be needed for fungal infection, parasites, or fleas.

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Recovery of Bacterial Infection of the Skin in Dogs

Pyoderma is not a life-threatening problem, simply information technology tin cause your domestic dog a lot of hurting and discomfort. Fortunately, most infections are treatable, and it is likely your dog volition brand a full recovery. Chronic and recurrent infections without a known cause tin can pose more of a problem. Regular bathing and grooming can help, also equally washing your dog's bedding oft. Some dogs may demand to follow a strict diet to avoid an allergic reaction. Others may need lifelong medication to treat an endocrine imbalance. If this is the case, frequent check-ups will be necessary then the veterinarian can monitor your domestic dog'south condition and adjust the dosage.

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