Deep Pyoderma Research Articles

Characteristics of lower extremity ulcers among patients treated at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali

Lower extremity ulcers are one of the ulcers that are difficult to heal. This condition causes significant morbidity, mortality, costs, and reduces the quality of life. Epidemiological studies in Indonesia often focus on diabetic foot ulcers, so a general description of lower extremity ulcers is still lacking. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of lower extremity ulcers in outpatients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Polyclinic, Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali. The data were taken retrospectively from medical records from January 2018 until December 2021. A total of 15 subjects were enrolled in this study. Among the subjects, 8 (53.3%) were male and 7 (46.6%) were female. The age group of 40 yo and over dominated this study (60%). The common ulcer predilection was on the cruris (42.1%) and the wound culture results were dominated by Staphylococcus aureus (40%). Comorbidities were found in 7 subjects (46.7%) and the majority was hypertension (42.8%). Several subjects also had additional diagnoses at the time of the visit, including Morbus Hansen (60%), deep vein thrombosis (10%), cellulitis (10%), pyoderma gangrenosum (10%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (10%). In conclusion, the most characteristics of lower extremity ulcer patients at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital are males, age group > 40 yr, with cruris as a predilection, and hypertension as the most common comorbid.

Pharmacological body-wide and immunotropic effects of galavit in the treatment of patients with purulent-inflammatory diseases of various origins and allergization

Introduction: Patients with purulent-inflammatory diseases (PID), especially those with allergization, manifest chronicity, low treatment efficiency, and the risk of relapses; the above actualizes the search for innovative treatment technologies.
 The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to specify pharmacological (body-wide) and specific (immunotropic) effects of the immunomodulator galavit additionally prescribed in the context of basic treatment for patients with deep pyoderma, chronic pyelonephritis, adnexitis, purulent infection of soft tissues, complicated by atopic dermatitis.
 Materials and Methods: The study included 331 patients with PID and 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and gender who were examined prior and following the basic treatment of each nosoform. The diverse clinical and laboratory examination options were applied to investigate 17 clinical, 7 hematological, 16 immunological, 13 metabolic parameters that were grouped into clinical, hematological, immunological and metabolic syndromes, and divided into links – cellular, humoral, phagocytic, cytokine, metabolic and antioxidant. The results were statistically processed using variational parametric and nonparametric techniques; this allowed calculating the coefficient of diagnostic value, diagnostic formulas of disorders and targets of galavit under various conditions.
 Results and Discussion: Targeted pharmacological therapy with galavit reliably eliminates clinical, hemato-immuno-metabolic disorders in patients with PID, though dependently on the nosoform of the disease.
 Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the correction of clinical and laboratory disorders depend on PID pathogenesis and allergization; the laboratory mechanism of therapeutic effects was specified.

Severe Neonatal Skin Infection: Clinical Case

Background. Pyoderma is the most common skin infectious disease of early age, it is a group of dermatoses characterized by purulent-inflammatory damage to the skin, dermal appendages, and subcutaneous fat. The diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination. The main treatment methods are antibacterial therapy (local or systemic) and antiseptic skin toilet. Some forms of deep pyoderma require surgical interventions.Clinical case description. Girl A., 14 days of life, was admitted to the neonatal department of infectious disease with complaints of the mass in the left shoulder joint area. Historical information: 27 years old mother was not observed in any maternity welfare centre; chorioamnionitis was revealed at admission to the obstetric hospital. She received broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy perinatally. A girl from spontaneous vaginal delivery born on the 39th week with body weight of 2700 g, body length of 50 cm, and APGAR score of 8/9, she was breastfed. The condition on admission was severe. There were multiple indurated rash elements (pustules with turbid fluid) on the skin of the chest, limbs, and back. Skin desquamation was noted. There was hyperemia area up to 3.5 × 1.5 cm in the left shoulder joint area, with soft-elastic consistency, fluctuation symptom was positive. Complete blood count has shown: leukocytosis and neutrophilosis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was revealed in blood via PCR method, in hemoculture, and in throat and nose cultures. C-reactive protein level was increased. Abscess culture — MRSA. Screening by immunological assay was performed to exclude primary immunodeficiency. Abscess incision and drainage were performed; 5 mL of thick yellow-green pus was obtained. Combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotic was carried out.Conclusion. There was positive dynamics on the administered therapy: the child condition was satisfactory, skin cleared of infectious rash, abscess was sanitized, laboratory parameters normalized, the child had no fever.

DETERMINATION OF SOME INDICATORS OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN DOGS WITH DEEP PYODERMIA

The article presents the results of determining of selected indicators of cellular immunity in dogs with deep pyoderma.. As the research results showed, the total content of leukocytes in animals with pyoderma was 11.84 ± 1.06 G/l, which was 1.19x109/l higher than the similar indicator of healthy animals. An increase in the content of leukocytes was caused by neutrophilia. As was established that the absolute neutrophils count in animals with generalized pyoderma significantly exceeded the similar indicator of healthy animals of the control group (< 0.05), at the same time, the content of lymphocytes and eosinophils was higher in animals of the control group and amounted to 2.98 ± 1.16 and 0.64 ± 0.11, respectively. It was also established that in dogs with deep generalized pyoderma, suppression of the activity of a number of key elements of cellular immunity was observed: indicators of phagocytosis, content of blood T-lymphocytes. The number of T-helper cells in dogs of the control group exceeded the similar indicator of animals with pyoderma, while the content of T-suppressors was higher in affected animals, which indicates the development of moderate immunosuppression. The obtained results indicate a necessity for further study of the cellular immunity of dogs with pyoderma in order to develop novel protocols for the treatment of animals with the use of means of immunocorrection.

Antibiotic-resistant status and pathogenic clonal complex of canine Streptococcus canis-associated deep pyoderma

BackgroundStreptococcus canis causes deep pyoderma in canines, which raises concerns about the risk of isolates from lesions acquiring an antibiotic-resistant phenotype. It is necessary to identify effective antibiotics and the characteristics of the pathogenic cluster for S. canis-associated deep pyoderma.ResultsThe signalment, molecular typing, and antibiotic-resistant status of S. canis isolated from deep pyoderma lesions (27 strains) and oral cavities (26 strains) were analyzed. Older dogs tended to have S. canis-associated deep pyoderma (15 of 27 dogs over 10 years old). Veterinarians chose quinolones for 10/16 cases (63%), even though the rate of quinolone-resistant strains of S. canis is 38–59%. Although 70% of the strains showed resistance to three or more antibiotic classes (37/53), 94% (50/53) strains showed sensitivity for penicillins. We also identified β-lactamase activity among penicillin-resistant strains of S. canis. Clonal complex 13 (CC13) was detected only in lesions and formed independent clusters in the phylogenetic tree. One strain of CC13 was resistant to the anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus drugs, vancomycin and linezolid.ConclusionAlthough antibiotic-resistant strains of S. canis are isolated at a high rate, they can currently be treated with β-lactamase-inhibiting penicillins. CC13 may be a pathogenic cluster with high levels of antibiotics resistance.

Antibiotic resistance profiles and activity of clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated of canine otitis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often isolated from acute and chronic otitis and deep pyoderma in dogs. The increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics induced the need for alternative therapies to treat infections, with an emphasis on essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to investigate clove oil's in vitro bactericidal action as a therapeutic alternative against strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis. The antibacterial activity of clove oil was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the broth microdilution technique in 96-well plates. Serial concentrations of 10-0.31% of the oil were used, equivalent to 104.5-3.26 mg/mL. The susceptibility of isolates to different classes of antibiotics was determined by the disk diffusion technique using 20 antibiotics belonging to eight classes. Isolates resistant to at least one antibiotic of three different classes were considered multidrug-resistant (MDR). A high occurrence of resistance was observed for three antibiotics belonging to the cephalosporin classes (cefadroxil, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone), namely, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprime, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin. The lowest resistance rates were observed for meropenem (4.88%), amikacin (12.20%), and tobramycin (12.2%). All isolates were susceptible to clove oil with an equivalent MIC and MBC from 3.26 to 6.53 mg/mL. Eugenol was the major component of the oil. Clove EO was effective against MDR strains of P. aeruginosa, indicating an alternative for developing an efficient and low-cost antimicrobial agent to treat canine otitis.

Fluorescent Light Energy in the Management of Multi Drug Resistant Canine Pyoderma: A Prospective Exploratory Study.

The increase in prevalence of staphylococcal antimicrobial resistance has been also associated with pyoderma in dogs, and prolonged antibiotic treatment, as often needed in severe cases of pyoderma, has been related to influencing possible development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Fluorescent light energy (FLE) has been indicated to improve pyoderma lesions as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotics. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of FLE on clinical signs of MDR canine deep pyoderma (CDP) and interdigital furunculosis (CIF) when administered as solely management. Sixteen client-owned dogs affected by CIF (five dogs) and CDP (eleven dogs) were scored using a dedicated scoring system and received a single FLE applications twice weekly, until clinical resolution was achieved. Mean time to achieve complete resolution was 5.20 ± 3.56 weeks (median 3 weeks) for CIF cases and 4.18 ± 1.47 weeks (median 4 weeks) for CDP ones. FLE shows promise as an aid to managing clinical signs while reducing reliance on antibiotics for MDR CDP and CIF. In this study, FLE was responsible for the decrease in lesion scores and resolution of MDR pyoderma infection without any adjunct therapy, having a potential useful role to play in antibiotic stewardship programs, efficiently promoting complete clinical resolution of MDR lesions while optimizing the use of antibiotics.

Critically Appraised Topic on Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Dogs: An Advisable Treatment for Skin Diseases?

Simple SummaryLow-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a therapeutic technique with reported regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effects. In the last few years, LLLT has been used in dogs for the management of different skin lesions and diseases. This study reports a literature review using the critically appraised topic (CAT) method to determine the canine skin diseases for which LLLT is an advisable treatment. Only primary clinical prospective studies were considered. A meticulous literature search revealed 19 significant clinical trials, and these were critically analyzed. The evaluation of the best accessible evidence in July 2022 suggests that LLLT can be a promising and effective adjunctive treatment in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy for canine interdigital pyoderma and canine deep pyoderma. Furthermore, the use of LLLT is not recommended as a therapy for pedal pruritus secondary to canine atopic dermatitis. In other canine skin diseases, there is a possible helpful effect of LLLT; however, the evidence for its use is not currently convincing.Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a therapeutic option that stimulates cellular function through intracellular photobiological and photochemical reactions, promoting better tissue repair and an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effect. Previous studies in human and veterinary medicine have shown the clinical efficacy of LLLT in many fields. In this study, the literature was reviewed using the critically appraised topic (CAT) method to determine the canine skin diseases for which LLLT is an advisable treatment. A meticulous literature search revealed 19 significant clinical trials, which were critically analyzed. The evaluation of the best accessible evidence in July 2022 suggests that fluorescence biomodulation (FBM), a type of LLLT, can, in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy, be a promising and effective adjunctive treatment for canine interdigital pyoderma and canine deep pyoderma. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that the use of LLLT is not recommended as a therapy for pedal pruritus secondary to canine atopic dermatitis. For other canine skin diseases included in the CAT, although LLLT appears to be a promising treatment, there is not yet good scientific evidence to recommend its use.

Chronic deep recurrent pyoderma in the outpatient practice of the surgeon

Introduction. Chronic deep pyoderma occurs relatively rare in the surgeon practice and, due to the poor knowledge of this pathology, its diagnosis is difficult by surgeons. Misdiagnosis leads to erroneous treatment tactics. Chronic deep recurrent pyoderma includes: abscessing and disrupting perifolliculitis of the head (Hoffmann) (ADPH), axillary and inguinal-perineal suppurative hydradenitis, pilonidal cyst of the sacrococcygeal area. The diseases listed follow the same pathogenesis.The purpose of the publication: to acquaint surgeons with the diagnosis and treatment of a particular type of chronic deep recurrent pyoderma – abscessing and disrupting head perifolliculitis (Hoffmann) in the conditions of the surgery room, since this problem is purely issued in the literature of the subject.Material and methods. Since 2007 until to 2020, we had observed 20 cases of deep chronic recurrent pyoderma (15 men and 5 women), but only two cases were correctly detected before treatment, in other cases – retrospectively. Research method: analyzing of clinical observation data and laboratory tests.Results. In our practice, nine men suffered from abscessing and disrupting perifolliculitis of the head. We had described and classificated the features of this disease, focused on three clinical cases.Conclusions. Abscessing and disrupting perifolliculitis of the head is still purely diagnosable and curable disease, the treatment as follows: regimen and hygienic measures, surgical treatment, conservative treatment. Surgical treatment should be as radical as possible.

Clinicobacteriological Study of Pyoderma with Trends in Antibiotic Sensitivity at a Tertiary Care Center in Western India

Background: Pyoderma refers to any pus-forming infection of the skin. Antibiotic resistance has significantly downplayed the utility of established antibiotics and possesses a serious threat to public health. Objective: To study the causative organisms, their trends of antibiotic sensitivity pattern thus helping in prescribing appropriate antibiotics and study the response to the treatment in patients of pyoderma. Materials and Methods: A 2-month prospective study on a cohort of 30 pyoderma patients attending the outpatient and inpatient department in our tertiary care hospital under ICMR short-term studentship was undertaken. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 24. Results: Those in 5th–6th decade were more predisposed. Higher incidence was seen in anemics. Staphylococcus spp. (26/30 case 86.66%) was the most common organisms to be isolated in 12/15 (80%) outpatients and 14/15 (93.33%) inpatients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated equally (33.33%) in both outpatient and inpatients, with increasing trend in MRSA in out-patients. Higher incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in outpatients was noted. MRSA in superficial pyoderma group was sensitive to one first-line drug which was gentamycin, whereas in deep pyoderma, the only first-line drug to which the MRSA was 100% sensitive was ciprofloxacin. All MRSA, MSSA, MR CONS, and MS CONS were sensitive to all second-line drugs. Sixty-percent patients who showed no response to empirical primary line of treatment showed good response on changing the antibiotics according to the reports of culture and sensitivity. Conclusion: An increasing trend in MRSA in outpatients was noticed along with higher incidence of Pseudomonas infection. Limitation: Small sample size.

The Effectiveness of Fluorescent Light Energy as Adjunct Therapy in Canine Deep Pyoderma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A single centre, single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of twice weekly fluorescent light energy therapy (Phovia™) as adjunct to systemic antibiotics in the management of deep pyoderma in dogs. Dogs with clinical lesions consistent with deep pyoderma, positive bacterial culture, and showing neutrophil engulfing bacteria at cytology were included in the study. Assessments were undertaken weekly for 8 weeks and every 2 weeks thereafter until 12 weeks after enrolment. At each visit, lesions were scored and cytology was conducted to determine a neutrophil engulfing bacteria score. All dogs (Groups A and B) were treated with systemic antibiotic twice daily, and Group B received additionally Phovia twice weekly. Median treatment duration was 11.7 weeks for Group A and 5.7 weeks for Group B. After 8 weeks of treatment, the percentage of dogs that achieved clinical resolution was 35.0% and 88.0% for Groups A and B, respectively. Lesion scores showed highly statistically significant difference in favour of Group B from week 3 to 8, and neutrophil engulfing bacteria scores showed statistical difference from week 2 onwards in favour of Group B. These results indicate that Phovia, when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics, can accelerate time to clinical resolution in cases of canine deep pyoderma.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of the mecA and nuc Genes From Staphylococcus Species (S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, and S. schleiferi) Isolated From Dogs Suffering Superficial Pyoderma and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles.

Canine superficial pyoderma (CSP) is a bacterial infection secondary to several skin diseases of the dog. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is a commensal bacterium of the dog's skin, is the leading agent found in dogs affected by CSP, which can progress to deep pyoderma. It is also of clinical significance because S. pseudintermedius strains carry antimicrobial resistance genes, mainly the mecA gene. In this descriptive longitudinal study, molecular characterization of bacterial isolates from dogs affected by CSP was performed in addition to phenotyping, antimicrobial profiling, and assessment of resistance carriage status. Fifty dogs (24 females and 26 males) attending the CES University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were included in the study. CSP was confirmed according to clinical signs and cytological examination. Swabs were taken from active skin lesions for bacterial culture, and phenotyping and antimicrobial resistance profiles were assessed using API-Staph phenotyping and the Kirby–Bauer method, respectively. We also performed molecular detection and characterization of the mecA and nuc encoding gene of coagulase-positive Staphylococci. The mecA gene frequency was established by qPCR amplification of a 131bp gene fragment. Data were evaluated by descriptive statistics. Erythema, peeling, pruritus, and alopecia were the predominant symptoms (72, 56, and 46%, respectively). We isolated bacteria compatible with Staphylococcus species from all samples tested. API phenotyping showed 83.1 to 97.8% compatibility with S. pseudintermedius. PCR-genotyping resulted in 15, 3, and 1 isolates positive for S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, and S. schleiferi, respectively. Isolated strains showed high susceptibility to Imipenem, Ampicillin/Sulbactam, and Rifampicin (100, 94, and 92%, respectively). The highest resistance was against Vancomycin and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (98 and 74%, respectively). S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, and S. schleiferi isolates were cloned and shared 96% sequence homology. Finally, we found 62% carriage status of the mecA gene in isolates of CSP patients, although only 36% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant. Identification of three Staphylococcus species causing CSP, high-level resistance against conventional antimicrobials, and carriage of the mecA gene highlight the importance of performing molecular characterization of bacteria causing dermatological conditions in dogs.

Fluorescence biomodulation in the management of canine interdigital pyoderma cases: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized and controlled clinical study.

Interdigital pyoderma is a common multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the canine interdigital skin. Lesions commonly become infected secondarily. In addition to management of the underlying cause, management of the chronic inflammatory changes in the interdigital skin created by secondary infection and by the release of keratin into deep tissues is required. Fluorescence biomodulation appears to modulate the inflammatory process in dermatological disorders and has shown promise in preliminary studies evaluating its use in superficial and deep pyoderma in dogs. To evaluate the effect of a fluorescence biomodulation (FB) system used in conjunction with systemic antibiotic on clinical manifestations of canine interdigital pyoderma (CIP), compared to dogs treated with antibiotic alone. Thirty-six dogs diagnosed with CIP. Dogs were randomly allocated to treatment groups of either antibiotic alone (Group A) or antibiotic plus twice-weekly FB application (Group B). Dogs were scored over a 12 week period on the basis of two measured parameters: a global lesion score composed of four different lesions types and neutrophil engulfing bacterial scores. A statistically significant decrease was seen by Week 3 in both measured parameters for Group B compared to Group A. The mean time-to-resolution of lesions was 4.3weeks in Group B and 10.4weeks in Group A. The FB system shows promise as an adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic use in the management of CIP.

Therapeutic Considerations and Public Health Implications in the Management of Deep Pyoderma in a Dog with Linezolid

Therapeutic Considerations and Public Health Implications in the Management of Deep Pyoderma in a Dog with Linezolid

The most pronounced constitutional differences between healthy and sick with pyoderma in men or women in the western region of Ukraine

Despite the significant progress made in the study of the problem of pyoderma, theclinical features of their course depending on the somatotype and their differences, ascompared with the healthy subjects, remain virtually unexplored. The purpose of thestudy is to establish the most pronounced discrepancies between the anthropometric,somatotypological and component components of body mass in men and women of theWestern region of Ukraine in norm and in patients with pyoderma. An anthropologicalexamination under the Bunak scheme of 45 patients with pyoderma men aged from 22to 35 years, and 48 patients with pyoderma women aged from 21 to 35 years, and 24healthy men and 43 healthy women of similar age, the third generation residents of theWest region of Ukraine was conducted. The somatotype is defined according to themathematical scheme of the Hit-Carter. For the calculation of the fat, bone and musclemass components of the body, Matiegka and the American Institute of Nutrition formulaswere used. With the help of the license package "STATISTICA 6.0", the statisticalprocessing of the obtained results was performed using parametric and non-parametricestimation methods. In healthy men, lower values of the thickness of skin and fat foldsare found, than in patients with acute and chronic pyoderma; as well as lower valuesof the endo- and mesomorphic components of the somatotype and the fatty componentof the body mass and the higher values of the ectomorphic component of the somatotypethan in the patients with the acute course of the disease; a lower percentage of endo-mesomorphic somatotype representatives than in patients with deep pyoderma. Inhealthy women found smaller than in female patients of different groups of the majorityof total, cross, girth body size, width of distal epiphysis of long bones of the extremitiesand mesomorphic somatotype component, muscle and bone components of bodyweight, and higher values ectomorphic somatotype component; a smaller percentageof the mesomorphic somatotype than those of the general group and with the acutecourse of pyoderma, as well as a higher percentage of the representatives of theectomorphic somatotype than patients with superficial pyoderma. In patients with chronicpyoderma men set lower than in patients with acute pyoderma men, meaning of crossmedium and lower thoracic sizes, thickness of skin-fat folds, endo- and mesomorphicsomatotype components and bone and fat components of body weight. In patients withchronic pyoderma women set less than women suffering from deep pyoderma, thevalue of total, half of the transverse dimensions of the pelvis, extremities, most girthsizes, width of distal epiphysis of the shoulder and hip, muscle and bone componentsof body weight and a higher percentage representatives of the ectomorphic somatotypethan patients with superficial pyoderma. Comparative study of anthropometric indicesand individual somatic sex groups and constitutional types showed individual variabilityof body structure and set typological features of patients with some form and degreeof manifestation of pyoderma

Identification of VIM-2 metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from dogs with pyoderma and otitis in Korea.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a challenging pathogen cultured from cases of acute and chronic canine otitis and sometimes in cases of deep pyoderma. The spread of antimicrobial resistance, especially carbapenem resistance, is a serious therapeutic challenge worldwide. To investigate the identification and characterization of resistant P. aeruginosa clinical canine isolates. Clinical isolates (n = 80) were collected from dogs with pyoderma (n = 18) and otitis (n = 62) in Korea. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using agar dilution and using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for recording susceptibility for human Pseudomonas isolates; genetic relatedness of isolates was investigated by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and SpeI macrorestriction analysis. The class 1 integrons were amplified and sequenced using primer walking. Most isolates were susceptible to colistin (97.5%), polymyxin B (96.3%), ciprofloxacin (81.3%) and meropenem (80.0%); whereas resistance to aztreonam (80%), piperacillin (52.5%), piperacillin/tazobactam (41.3%) and cefepime (37.5%) was high; 12 carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates (15%) were detected. MLST revealed 45 different sequence types (STs) and macrorestriction analysis detected 55 distinct pulsotypes (PTs), which were divided into 25 clonal groups. Among carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates, 10 (83.3%) were VIM-2-producing strains. Nine VIM-2-producing isolates were identified as ST1047 and harboured the same 2.8 kb class 1 integron. One remaining isolate was ST1203 with 2.1 kb class 1 integron. This study demonstrated the diversity of the phenotype and genotype of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates from dogs with pyoderma and otitis. The identification of VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa in dogs is alarming and warrants further surveillance.

IA case of canine squamous cell carcinoma secondary to solar keratosis (actinic carcinoma in situ)

We present the case of a squamous cell carcinoma developed in a pre-existing solar keratosis of the trunk in a whitehaired Dogue Argentino. Deep pyoderma along with exfoliative erythroderma were the initial clinical findings. Several months after the diagnosis of solar keratosis, the dog presented with multiple nodules and ulcers on the flank and abdomen and the diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed microscopically.

Topical treatment of canine pyodermas

Topical treatment in canine pyodermas helps to reduce or eliminate the surface bacterial population and to restore the epidermal and follicular integrity. In most superficial and deep pyodermas topical treatment rarely works when used alone; however, its judicious use can make the patient more comfortable and hasten the response to systemic antibiotics. Conversely, in surface pyodermas or pseudopyodermas topicals usually suffice. Among various antimicrobials, the most commonly used include benzoyl peroxide, ethyl lactate, povidone-iodine, triclozan and some antibiotics such as mupirocin, fucidic acid, neomycin and clindamycin. In addition, other topical medication like glucocorticoids, astrigents and dessicating powders are usually applied in dogs with surface pyodermas. Finally, hydrotherapy is very helpful in deep pyoderma cases in the form of wet dressings or baths. The effectiveness of topical treatment depends on the appropriate selection of the active ingredient and its delivery system (formulations), that should accommodate the kind, the distribution and the extension of skin lesions.

Canine demodicosis

Canine demodicosis, which is caused by the follicular mite Demodex canis, is one of the most common skin diseases, especially in the young dog. Demodicosis can be localized or generalized; in the latter a parasite-specific cellular immunosuppression, which is genetically transmitted, is the cornerstone of its pathogenesis. Alopecia - hypotrichosis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, lichenification, papules, scales and crusts, first appear on the face and front limbs, to spread eventually to the other parts of the body. Superficial or deep staphylococcal pyoderma is a common complication, especially in the generalized form of the disease. Diagnosis will be confirmed by the presence of the mite in high numbers and at various developing stages in the skin scrapings. Treatment is not recommended for the localized form, which is almost always self-limiting. Various ectoparasiticides have been used in the generalized form of the disease, either for topical (amitraz) or systemic application (ivermectin, mylbemycin, moxidectin), with good results. Treatment is terminated when not a single parasite can be found in the skin scrapings on 2-3 consecutive monthly re-examinations. The animal is considered cured if there have not been any relapses one year since the end of the acaricidal treatment.

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus intermedius strains isolated from 53 natural cases of canine pyoderma

Samples for bacterial cultures on blood agar were obtained from the skin lesions of 53 dogs demonstrating the typical clinical and cytological features of superficial (n=17) or deep (n=36) pyoderma. None of them had received any kind of antimicrobial therapy within the previous month. The Staphylococcus looking colonies were recultured on blood and Chapman agar for staphylococcal species identification and biotyping. All 53 coagulasepositive staphylococcal isolates were eventually identified as S. intermedius. The susceptibility for each of these isolates was tested against 12 different antibiotics with the disc diffusion method. Resistance rates were found to be 0% for amoxicillin/clavulanate, 11.3% for oxacillin, 7.5% for cefalexin, 5.7% for enrofloxacin, 32.1% for erythromycin, 11.3% for tylosin, 20.8% for lincomycin, 18.9% for clindamycin, 32.1% for doxycycline, 5.7% for amicacin, 7.5% for chloramphenicol and 92.5% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. No correlation between the resistance pattern and either the age, breed, sex, and the animals' lifestyle, or the depth of skin infection, the presence or not of underlying diseases and any past treatment with antibiotics was identified.