Monday, June 3, 2013

How to Treat Dog Lesions

By Cathy Doggins


Dog skin lesions caused by pyoderma (bacterial infections) are the number two cause of skin problems in dogs behind parasitic disorders. Staphyloccoccusintermdius is the pathogen that causes any dog skin sores on paw.

Dogs are prone to skin infections. Scientists are not sure why this happens. Researchers assume the cause is a byproduct of differences in dog skin composition in comparison to other mammals. This includes openings at the hair follicle base which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin. Dog skin is also relatively thin when compared to other species.

Canine pyoderma is characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. The infection may affect just the surface of the skin (superficial pyoderma) or into other layers,

Skin infections are commonly the result of other abnormalities that are the real underlying cause of the problem. Because of this, if only the infection is treated they will often reoccur since the underlying condition was not treated. Common primary conditions include food allergy,, parasitic dermal problems like flea allergy dermatitis, endocrine illnesses like hypothyroidism, follicle disorders and fungal or yeast diseases.

Misdiagnosis also plays a role, with a lot of vets missing mange or demodicosis as a cause. Indications of demodicosis include pyoderma or lacerations on the head. The disease also differs symptomatically depending on the breed. Small long hair breeds often do not experience the hair loss seen in short hair breeds. Last, congenital, solar or sun induced skin diseases in susceptible breeds are often not correctly diagnosed.

Treatment depends upon the underlying diagnosis for the dog skin lesion. Antibiotics will be prescribed based on lab test results. Dosage and other details are based on the size and condition of the patient, Under dosing is often found in bigger pets with over dosing in smaller pets. Successful treatment also depends on owner participation. In human medicine, 40% of patients do not comply with physician instructions.

Canine lesion treatment is challenging when infection enters the fatty tissue. This can result in other complications like follicular rupture (rupture at the base of the follicles). Skin allergy or endocrine problems complicates treatment (e.g.; hypothyroidism) since these types of conditions call for treatment prior to being able to treat any skin sores.






About the Author:



No comments: