Staphylococcal Pyoderma
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Staphylococcal bacterial infections are usually referred to as staph infections. Staph bacteria are widespread and cause mild to severe skin infections in dogs of all ages. What are the symptoms? Symptoms depend on severity. Mild skin infections may appear as crusty skin lesions, frequently about the belly area. More advanced cases will manifest draining areas and cause severe itching. Occasionally, usually in adults, individuals are actually allergic to the staph bacteria. These dogs have severely reddened and itchy skin. What are the risks? The risk depends on the severity of the individual case. All cases of staph pyoderma can progress and should be treated as soon as possible. What is the management? Bacterial infections are often secondary to another problem, so the possibility of parasitic infections, allergies, and hormonal abnormalities should be checked. The skin is usually biopsied and/or cultured to confirm the diagnosis. Oral antibiotics are selected based on test results, and may need to be given for several months if the infection is very deep. Medicated shampoos, such as those containing chlorhexidine, can be used in conjunction with oral antibiotics. In the rare case of a staph allergy, steroids or hyposensitization injections may be prescribed along with the antibiotics. Click here for more information Bacterial Hypersensitivity to Staph Infections Holly Nash, DVM, MS Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Bacterial hypersensitivity is a rare disease in dogs and occurs when a dog's immune system overreacts to Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria on its skin. When this occurs, the skin reacts dramatically to the presence of Staph. What are the symptoms of bacterial hypersensitivity? Bacterial hypersensitivity causes the skin to become very red. Pustules and large vesicles filled with fluid develop on the skin. There is severe itching, and many dogs will cause further damage to their skin through scratching and biting. It appears that bacterial hypersensitivity in the dog is more likely to occur if other conditions such as hypothyroidism, atopy (allergy to inhaled substances like pollen), or flea allergy dermatitis are present. How is bacterial hypersensitivity diagnosed? Bacterial hypersensitivity is diagnosed through bacterial culture and examination of a biopsy sample. Microscopically, there are certain unique changes in the blood vessels of the skin in bacterial hypersensitivity. An intradermal allergy test may also be helpful. In this procedure, a small amount of extract made from the Staph bacteria is injected in the skin. The area is examined for a reaction 15 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the injection. This method is not as accurate as the biopsy. How is bacterial hypersensitivity treated? It is extremely important to treat the underlying disease such as hypothyroidism or flea allergy dermatitis. A test is run in the laboratory to determine which antibiotics are most likely to kill the Staph and the animal is started on one of those antibiotics. Some animals may need to be on antibiotics or immune stimulants long-term to prevent the Staph from multiplying on the skin and causing the hypersensitivity. Sites with more information on this subject: The Approach to Canine Recurrent Pyoderma Superficial Pyoderma in Dogs Pyoderma Pyoderma Pyoderma Canine Superficial Pyoderma: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infection), Interdigital Pyoderma in Dogs Pyoderma in the Canine Cephalexin Intermittent Therapy in Dogs with “idiopathic” Recurrent Pyoderma Protocol for SPL Treatment of Recurrent Superficial Pyoderma in Dogs Clinical Efficacy of Rifampicin for Treatment of Canine Pyoderma (PDF format) Hot Spots or Acute Moist Pyoderma Skin Tissue Kinetics in Dogs with Pyoderma Seborrhea: Introduction Etiology, Clinical Findings, and Diagnosis Pyoderma (Bacterial Infections of the Skin) Skin Disorders Lip Fold Pyoderma Skin Fold Pyoderma Skin-Fold Pyoderma, Intertrigo Pyoderma: An Emerging Zoonotic Concern Interdigital Cysts/Interdigital Pyoderma Virkon Germicidal Skin Cleanser - Its Role in the Management of Pyoderma Juvenile Pyoderma (Puppy Strangles) Pyoderma and Other Skin Infections of Dogs Canine Pyoderma Determining Canine Bacterial Dermatitis Management of Canine Pyoderma