Talk to me about PYODERMA - fast! - Page 2

Hi hodie. Thanks for the increased information. Unfortunately, the vet had NO info to provide. I was the one asking about topical treatments, mentioning urine etc and I got vacant "could be's" from the vet without anything else. She only wanted to treat with antibiotics. I felt that we should do more. I got an antibacterial shampoo and a deterrant to licking type cream. Her diet is Innova. It is adult and human grade. When she first got it however she was on California Natural....so I changed it just in case it was a diet related thing. I don't think it is because the two have very different formulations with diff proteins and carb sources. I am hoping it IS a urine related thing. I have given her one bath already and she doesn't seem to be irritated by it. How often should I bathe in the antibacterial shampoo? And how often should I clean her vulva and groin? Can I use diluted antibacterial shampoo? Lastly, can I use any yoghurt with acidophillus? If she won't eat it can I give her a PROBIOTIC CAPSULE meant for humans? Thanks so much!

kmoat, It is likely a common superficial bacterial infection, involnig Staphylococcus intermedius, often seen in very young pups. Again, this is a bacteria normally present and normally, it does not cause problems. So the question is what is happening to allow it to cause problems. Do not bathe too frequently, simply wash the affected area with some antibacterial soap or solution. Make sure you rinse very well and be very careful around the vulva. I would not mess with that and allow her to clean herself. I probably would not put cream on as she will simply lick it off. I would ask why you have a 9 week old pup on adult food? Human grade is good, but a 9 week old pup needs better nutrition and a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus not present in the adult mix. Switch her to a puppy kibble. I recommend Royal Canin Large Breed puppy. There are other brands which would be similar in quality. Once you find a pup food do not continuously switch food. Stay on one food until one has to ask whether the food is an issue. At this point, it probably is not the food. The dog may need to be on antibiotics for a while longer. Did you get some and if so, what? Yes, you can use any live culture yogurt in her food. A tablespoon or so should be enough. She will likely eat it, plain or vanilla is generally well liked by most dogs. I would not give a probiotic meant for humans unless I knew more about it, dose etc. and what is included. Yogurt mixed in the pups food will do fine. If this does not clear up in a few weeks, then it really is important to begin looking for other causes and to culture it to see what the organism is. Also if the infection is into deeper layers of the skin, that would necessitate different treatment. What surface does she spend her time on, food or other allergies, is her immune system not developing etc. are all questions to think about now and later. The surface the pup is on may need to be cleaned and disinfected too. Hopefully, this will clear up fine with good hygiene and some extra attention. Keep us posted and good luck.

Hi Hodie. She is now almost 15 weeks old. Antibiotcs are Cephalexin. As my vet was concerned about her constantly licking her groin the cream was designed both to help with the pustules AND deter licking. I chose adult food because so many people feel that puppy food can cause growth problems. Her protein is now about 24-25% and fat around 15%. The calcium/phosphorus ratio is ok at 1.1 I will keep us all updated. Wish me luck!

kmaot, The cephalexin is a good choice. If she does not lick the cream, great. What is the creme name? Your pup is, in my opinion, too young to be on adult food, regardless of the fact that some people think adult food should be the choice at 6 months or so. The Calcium/Phosphorus ratio is not correct, as it should be 2:1. Another issue is whether the pup gets enough vitamins needed early on. But if you think the pup is doing fine on the food, then do what you think best. As an aside, the issue of switching from pup food to adult is not based on any science. I rarely have switched dogs and only if at 6-7 months old they begin to show pano signs. Even then, in my experience, it did not necessarily help. Good luck.

kmaot, Just a quick correction in my post above. The calcium/phosphorus ratio for a pup food should be 1:2, not the other way around. I have the flu and I think my fingers are sick too! Sorry for the mistake. I hope your pup is doing better.

Hi again hodie. Goodness knows I am no expert whatsoever on the concept of canine nutrition. I am following some of the recommendations of others but I also know there just doesn't seem to be a "right" answer. I welcome all opinions! The cream name is Variton. It is an anti puritic and I was told it tastes bad and is often used to prevent licking for other issues. She does NOT seem to be licking it at all now. The pustules are now less visible. When the pyoderma came back the second time I jumped on it right away. There were only about 20 or so pustules that were just forming. She has had 2 baths now and is not a big fan. Alas, if that is my biggest worry then I am pleased. :)