Practical small animal dermatology. III: Bacterial disease.

Bacterial infection is often overlooked as an aetiological factor in small animal dermatology. The misuse of glucocorticoids may result in immunosuppression in the patient. Pyoderma may then become refractory to all forms of therapy. The impression smear is a simple technique to confirm a pyoderma. Empirical selection of antimicrobial agents is acceptable for initial therapy of uncomplicated pyoderma. Appropriate antibiotics must be used at therapeutic doses for extended periods. Primary pyoderma is caused by pathogenic bacteria alone. The underlying cause in secondary pyodermas must be eliminated in order to prevent recurrence.