The most effective pyoderma therapy is the kind of treatment that addresses the underlying cause. For example, allergies must be addressed in order to prevent pyoderma from reoccurring. If there are any external parasites like fleas or mites, these should be treated as well.
Testing is often necessary to rule out an underlying cause. Skin impression testing is affordable and simple. It involves pressing a microscope slide onto the skin and then looking at that slide under the microscope. Bacteria, yeast, inflammatory cells, etc can be seen in most cases. To look for skin mites likeDemodex, your vet might recommend a skin scrape. This is when a small blade is used to literally scrape the skin until there is minor bleeding. Deep scrapes are necessary to rule out Demodex because the mites live deep within the hair follicles. Allergy testing is also available through reference laboratories. For chronic sufferers, culture and sensitivity testing are necessary to look for the right antibiotic treatment.
Since pyoderma results from a bacterial infection, it is often necessary to use antibiotics for treatment. Oral antibiotics like amoxicillin and cephalexin are among the most common that are prescribed, and topical antibiotics are also utilized. They come in many forms like sprays, wipes, ointments, and leave-on conditioners. Medicated shampoos with chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur can also help to treat pyoderma, and they can help to gently lift and remove dead skin cells for best results.
Pets with Demodex require additional therapy. For patients with generalized Demodex (hair loss all over the body), oral ivermectin is necessary. This is given in very small doses because of its potential side effects. In recent years, studies have shown that the isoxazoline drug class can help with Demodex treatment. Flea and tick preventatives like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio fall into this drug class, and these are safe and easy to use.
If allergies are suspected, it is important to address your dog’s itchiness to help “break the cycle” that would otherwise keep the pyoderma going. Antihistamines can help with pets who have mild itchiness, and steroid is prescribed for pets with intense itching and irritation. Long term use of steroids can have many side effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oil may provide some itch relief, and the recent creation of medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint have proven to be safe and effective for many dogs with chronic skin allergies.
Keep in mind that dogs with severe pyoderma or chronic skin issues cannot be fixed in just a manner of a few days. Some take weeks or even months of treatment, and this often requires the use of many products and not just one.
Follow-up trips to your veterinarian are extremely important. If something isn’t working, your vet can prescribe something different. If things are going well, your vet will tell you how long to continue treatment. Never stop antibiotics early unless directed by your vet. An unfinished regimen of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance.
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