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Canine Pyoderma | Impetigo | Folliculitis | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Probiotic MicroMed

DESCRIPTION & SYMPTOMS:

Can be inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic (abnormal or excessive growth of tissue)

Literally, pyoderma means ‘pus' in the 'skin’, and is made up of either superficial pyoderma or deep pyoderma (not detailed below).

Superficial Pyodermas :

  • bacterial folliculitis (usually staphylococci), where infection occurs n the hair follicles
  • bacterial overgrowth symptoms (odor, scaling, red skin and pruritis (itching) and
  • impetigo (small areas of infection, usually on hairless areas)

TREATMENT:

Due to methicillin resistance, drug treatment for any of the pyodermas is now challenging to vets.  A full range of tests may be undertaken to ascertain the underlying cause and subsequent treatment.

Bacterium involved:

Diagnosis will be given after tests confirm the presence of the bacteria Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus schleiferi, and in a low percentage of dogs, the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.  This last bacteria has given rise for concern recently, as it is now evident this particular bacteria has also developed resistance to the drug methicillin, often prescribed by vets to treat the condition.   Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has also become resistant to the drug Methicillin, and this bacteria can cause human infection in those who are immune-compromised, very young or very old.  In addition to this list of bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been added.  Staphylococcus schleiferi was actually first identified in humans in 1988 and subsequently was then implicated in canine pyoderma and otitis external (or ear infections) in dogs.

MicroMed Note: The causes of Superficial Pyodermas are many, from trauma to the skin giving rise to infection by bacteria or fungi, keratinisation disorders, parasitic infestation such as mites, hormonal issues or environmental irritants.  Nevertheless, pyoderma is a sign of a system out of balance.  If we determine where this imbalance originates it is likely to have begun in the gut, through a process of microbial alteration, leading to inflammation, low immunity and possibly this in turn leading to a Leaky Gut, also known as Intestinal Permeability.  This is where the gut becomes too permeable and substances that should not gain access to the bloodstream, do so and this in turn sets up an accumulating immune reaction.  It is little wonder that superficial pyoderma is evident when there are so many animals with such compromised gastro-intestinal tracts.  Re-establishment of the microbial balance is necessary, to help reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity and restore equilibrium.  Studies show that microbial balance can now positively affect whole body health - or disease so it may be wise to commence MicroMed’s Everyday Care Probiotic, for a period of two months to re-establish the correct balance of microbes, in order to outcompete and deter detrimental organisms from taking hold.