What to Do About Doggy Pyoderma

Many dogs suffer from skin diseases that require a visit to the hospital, where they are given a light examination and prescribed medication. However, the condition often worsens over time, causing frustration and confusion. Is it a scam? No, it's just that the lighting is unreliable!

Symptoms:

• Itchy skin • Pus-filled bumps • Red, raised lesions • Yellowish-white pusheads

Note: This condition should be distinguished from allergic rash, which does not have pusheads and forms scabs after breaking.

Causes:

• Bacterial infection usually occurs after the destruction of the skin surface, such as scrapes or long-term exposure to damp environments. • It is often accompanied by allergic dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, mite infections, flea bites, and endocrine problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment at the Hospital:

• Basic skin scraping microscopy examination • Advanced drug sensitivity testing, blood collection for hormone testing

Areas Prone to Pyoderma:

• Common in dogs with thin hair on the groin, armpits, and belly • Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial to prevent severe skin damage and hair loss.

Treatment:

1. Oral medication: Antibiotics, such as Clavamox or Clindamycin; oral hormones (e.g., Prednisone) for severe cases
2. Injection therapy: For dogs that are difficult to medicate, such as Convenia (cefovecin)
3. Topical medications: Ointments or sprays depending on convenience
4. Medicated shampoos: Containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine

Treatment Duration:

2 to 6 weeks. Keep the affected area clean and dry during treatment, drying the skin after bathing, rain, or self-urination.