Canine pyoderma : clinical signs and diagnosis

Abstract

Pyoderma is a type of bacterial dermatitis common in dogs. In our study, it appeared to be more frequent in German Shepherd dogs and Bichon breeds. German shepherds were shown to develop a particular form of pyoderma, but our study also showed a high prevalence in Bichon breed that needs to be explained. Our study also showed a higher prevalence in male dogs that also has to be researched. All ages seem to be affected by this condition, mostly linked to the underlying disease. According to our study, the bacteria mostly involved in pyoderma are Staphylococcus spp., followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both being normal skin flora. Thus most pyoderma infections are secondary infections related to another concomitant disease. Our study combined superficial and deep pyoderma because of the lack of description of each case, and the common etiology and treatment of both types. Some references include other forms of bacterial dermatitis under the pyoderma classification, such as impetigo, skin fold dermatitis, nasal pyodermitis and others, while other references give them separate descriptions.