Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Antibiotic treatment guidelines for dog skin infections
By Loeffler, Anette et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2025·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Synopsis of the antimicrobial use guidelines for canine pyoderma by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with skin infections, known as pyoderma, often requires antibiotics for treatment. It's important for veterinarians to first examine skin samples to determine the best course of action. For mild cases, topical treatments are usually effective, while more severe infections may need oral antibiotics for a few weeks. The goal is to use the least amount of medication necessary to avoid resistance, especially with certain bacteria that are harder to treat. Regular follow-ups help ensure the infection is clearing up and to address any underlying issues.
People also search for: dog skin infection treatment · pyoderma in dogs · antibiotic use for dog skin problems
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine pyoderma is one of the most common presentations in small animal practice, frequently leading to antimicrobial prescribing. OBJECTIVES: To provide clinicians with antimicrobial treatment guidelines for staphylococcal pyoderma, including those involving meticillin-resistant staphylococci. Guidance on diagnosing surface, superficial and deep pyoderma, and their underlying primary causes is included. Recommendations aim to optimise treatment outcomes while promoting responsible antimicrobial use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evidence was gathered from a systematic literature review of English-language treatment studies for canine pyoderma up to 23/12/2023. Quality was assessed using SORT criteria and combined with authors' consensus evaluation. Recommendations were voted on in an iterative process, followed by a Delphi-style feedback process before final agreement by the authors. RESULTS: Cytology should be performed in all cases before antimicrobials are used. Topical antimicrobial therapy alone is the treatment-of-choice for surface and superficial pyodermas. Systemic antimicrobials should be reserved for deep pyoderma and for superficial pyoderma when topical therapy is not effective. Systemic therapy, with adjunctive topical treatment, is initially provided for 2 weeks in superficial and 3 weeks in deep pyoderma, followed by re-examination to assess progress and manage primary causes. First-choice drugs have expected efficacy against the majority of meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius; for all others, laboratory testing should confirm susceptibility and exclude suitability of safer alternatives. As culture and susceptibility testing are essential for rationalising systemic therapy, laboratories and practices should price them reasonably to encourage use. Proactive topical therapy using antiseptics may help prevent recurrences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The accessibility of the skin offers excellent, achievable opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40556037/