Plant-based treatments versus medicated shampoo for dog skin

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Canine superficial pyoderma (CSP) is common. Antibiotic and potential antiseptic resistance is a rising concern; natural topicals may provide valuable alternative options. OBJECTIVES: Compare natural topicals containing essential oils, plant-extracted essential fatty acids and N-acetylcysteine to a medicated shampoo with chlorhexidine, miconazole and micronized silver in treating CSP. ANIMALS: Thirty dogs diagnosed with CSP, divided into three groups as outlined below. MATERIALS: Group 1 bathed using a shampoo (PYOclean Shampoo) twice weekly and application of a rinse-free mousse (PYOclean Mousse) once daily, Group 2 bathed using the same shampoo as above twice weekly and application of a spray (PYOclean Spray) once daily, and Group 3 bathed using a medicated shampoo (Biohex Shampoo) twice weekly. METHODS: Cytology, lesion and pruritus visual analogue (PVAS) scores were evaluated on Days (D) 0, 7 and 15. RESULTS: All three groups showed decreased polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) on D15. The reduction was significant, and more significant in Groups 1 and 2 (90.48% and 98.93%) compared to Group 3 (85.96%); extracellular cocci (cocci EC) significantly decreased by 92.8% and 93.38% in Groups 1 and 2, whereas decreased by 81% in Group 3 on D15. The number of yeasts on D15 decreased by 90% in Group 3 and 82% and 92%, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2. Lesion scores decreased on D15 by 90.61% and 87.95% in Groups 1 and 2 and by 62.94% in Group 3. PVAS decreased on D15 by 95.78% and 96.75%, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2 and by 69.88% in Group 3. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Efficacy of three natural topicals in treating dogs with superficial pyoderma without adding any systemic antimicrobial drugs was demonstrated. Such solutions can be complementary to medications such as chlorhexidine and miconazole in addressing CSP.