Bacterial skin infections are a common challenge in veterinary practice, and diagnosing pyoderma accurately is crucial for effective treatment. In a recent webinar, From Clues to Clarity: Diagnosing Bacterial Pyoderma, expert dermatologist Ana provided an insightful breakdown of bacterial pyoderma, its diagnosis, and management strategies. If you missed it, here’s a review of the key takeaways from this must-watch session.

Understanding Bacterial Pyoderma

Ana emphasised that bacterial pyoderma is not a primary disease but rather a secondary condition resulting from an underlying cause. Successful treatment requires addressing both the infection and the predisposing factors. She categorised bacterial infections into three types:

• Superficial pyoderma – affecting the upper layers of the skin.

• Deep pyoderma – involving deeper layers and often more severe.

• Bacterial overgrowth syndrome – an imbalance of bacteria on the skin without clear pustules.

Recognising the differences between these types is key to an accurate diagnosis, with cytology playing a crucial role in confirming bacterial presence.

Diagnosing Bacterial Folliculitis

Superficial bacterial folliculitis is a common form of pyoderma that affects hair follicles. Ana discussed clinical signs such as hair loss, scaling at the follicle root, and circular lesions. She presented a case where a patient scheduled for surgery was found to have bacterial folliculitis, leading to a postponement and further investigation. Her key takeaway? Always conduct cytology and bacterial cultures in suspected cases to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

The Role of Cytology in Diagnosis

A major focus of the webinar was cytology as a diagnostic tool. Ana highlighted how quick and efficient in-clinic cytology can be for identifying bacterial agents, with a particular focus on cocci bacteria inside neutrophils. She stressed the importance of a good-quality microscope and proper sample preparation. Cytology not only confirms the presence of bacteria but also provides insight into the immune response, allowing for a more targeted treatment approach.

Treatment Strategies for Superficial Pyoderma

Treatment of superficial pyoderma largely depends on its severity. Ana outlined different conditions under this category, including bacterial folliculitis, exfoliative superficial spreading pyoderma, impetigo, and mucocutaneous junction pyoderma. While topical antibacterial treatments are the first line of defence, systemic antibiotics may be necessary for persistent or severe cases. Ana strongly recommended performing bacterial cultures and antibiotic sensitivity tests before prescribing systemic antibiotics to ensure appropriate treatment and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Localised Pyoderma in Dogs

Ana also covered specific types of localised pyoderma, such as:

• Interdigital pyoderma – often caused by pressure and hair follicle implantation, typically appearing between the same two digits.

• Callus pyoderma – associated with infected hair follicles in pressure areas.

• Post-grooming folliculitis – occurring within 24-48 hours after grooming due to rough handling, leading to pain and ulceration.

Preventative measures, such as proper grooming techniques and environmental management, were highlighted as crucial steps in reducing the risk of these conditions.

Managing Deep Pyoderma Cases

Deep pyoderma cases require a different approach, often involving systemic antibiotic therapy. Ana explained the importance of cytology and bacterial cultures in determining the causative organisms, particularly in cases involving gram-negative bacteria or anaerobes. She reiterated the value of cytology in monitoring treatment response and differentiating pyoderma from other dermatological conditions.

Conclusion: A Must-Watch Webinar

Ana’s expert insights provided a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing bacterial pyoderma, making this webinar an invaluable resource for veterinary professionals. Understanding the role of cytology, differentiating types of pyoderma, and tailoring treatments based on bacterial cultures can significantly improve patient outcomes.

If you want to gain deeper insights and practical tips for diagnosing bacterial pyoderma, don’t miss the full webinar. Watch it now on The Webinar Vet: From Clues to Clarity: Diagnosing Bacterial Pyoderma.