Page 58 - Canine-Diseases

and fluids in the stomach. This can lead to vomiting, a subsequent Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Klebsiella,
loss of fluids, including gastric secretions rich in hydrochloric acid, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas, and Proteus species. Accumulating
electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, dehydration, sluggishness, uterine secretions, prominent endometrial gland crypts, and
and weight loss. immunosuppression caused by progesterone stimulation during
diestrus make the uterus an ideal environment for bacterial
Pyoderma (deep): Is a serious infection which occurs in tissues proliferation leading to pyometra. The early signs of pyometra
deeper than the hair follicle potentially including the dermis and can include tiredness, anorexia, polydipsia (excessive thirst or
subcutis. Affected animals may show signs of systemic illness excess drinking), polyuria (increased or excessive urination),
and lesions very often result in scarring. Infection penetrating to and vomiting. These may also be followed by vaginal discharge,
this depth indicates an initial deep trauma or underlying disease. swollen abdomen, shock, and collapse. It is potentially fatal
Occurs secondary to allergic, parasitic (especially demodicosis), condition in dogs. Some studies have identified an increased
endocrine, autoimmune, actinic, neoplastic, pressure point, post- incidence of pyometra in the following dog breeds: Rough-coated
grooming or self-traumatic disorders. Often occurs as a progression Collies, Rottweilers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles
of a superficial pyoderma. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English
the most common causative organism; S. schleiferi, S. aureus, Springer Spaniels.
Pseudomonas sp. and other gram negative bacteria may also occur.
The hallmarks of deep pyoderma in dogs are pain, crusting, odor, Pyothorax: Occurs when pus accumulates in the chest (pleural)
and exudation of blood and pus. Erythema, swelling, ulcerations, cavity in response to an infection. A bacterial infection that settles
hemorrhagic crusts and bullae, hair loss, and draining tracts with in the chest cavity can enter from the lungs or esophagus. The most
serohemorrhagic or purulent exudate may also be seen. The bridge common causes for pyrothorax include infections with the bacteria
of the muzzle, chin, elbows, hocks, interdigital areas, and lateral such as Bacteroides, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus,
stifles are more prone to deep infections. Fusobacterium, Corynebacterium, Pasteurella, and Streptococcus.
Dogs generally get these types of infections from inhaling foreign
Pyoderma (superficial): Also known as superficial bacterial objects like grass awns (bristles on the tips of grass), or from chest
pyoderma, is a bacterial infection of the epidermis and follicular piercing wounds. Symptoms associated with pyrothorax include
epithelium. Bacteria may cause an infection secondary to cough, fatigue, low-grade fever, chest pain, anorexia, weight
local trauma, scratching, contamination due to poor grooming, loss, tachypnea (increase breathing rate), bradypnea (decreased
seborrhea, parasitic infestation, hormonal factors, immune- breathing rate), gum discoloration, and collapse after exercise.
mediated, conformational or keratinization (seborrheic) disorders, Commonly seen in hunting dogs and sporting breeds such as
local irritants, or allergies. The predominant pathogen that American Foxhounds, Beagles, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers,
causes superficial pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Weimaraners, and Pointers.
(formerly S. intermedius), a commensal bacterium that resides on
the mucosal and skin surfaces of dogs. Pyotraumatic dermatitis: Also called hot spot or acute moist
dermatitis, is a bacterial skin disease (surface or superficial) which
Pyoderma: Literally means “pus in the skin” and can be caused occurs secondary to a skin trauma (e.g. scratch or wound). Causes
by infectious, inflammatory, and/or neoplastic etiologies; any of pyotraumatic dermatitis include flea and tick infestation,
condition that results in the accumulation of neutrophilic exudate parasitic infection, and environmental allergens. Disease is acute
can be termed a pyoderma. Pyoderma represents a large group of in onset with well demarcated, reddened, moist exudative lesions
canine skin diseases. Bacterial pyoderma is usually triggered by an and alopecia. Pyotraumatic dermatitis is very itchy, painful
overgrowth/overcolonization of normal resident or transient flora. skin condition of dogs that may develop in a matter of minutes.
The primary pathogen of dogs is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Incessant biting, licking, or scratching at the affected area usually
Pyoderma is often secondary to allergic dermatitis and develops accompanies hot spots. Commonly affected breeds include
in the abrasions on the skin’s surface that occur as a result of Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and
scratching. Puppy pyoderma, also sometimes referred to as puppy Saint Bernards.
strangles, is generally concentrated in sparsely furred areas, such as
the face, groin, belly, or armpits of the animal. The most common Pythiosis: A disease cause by a water mould belonging to the
clinical signs associated with pyoderma are papules or pustules phylum Oomycota. In dogs, it is generally contracted when animals
that are red and raised, with white pus-filled center. Other signs with open sores drink, stand, or swim in stagnant water. It is caused
include circular crusts, dry flaky patches of skin, discoloration of by the aquatic mold Pythium insidiosum, which is a parasitic spore
the skin, hair loss, and itching. In short-haired breeds, the coat that is capable of spontaneous movement (or a motile zoospore) that
may appear to protrude or “stick up” in areas, mimicking hives, or enters the body through the nose/sinuses, esophagus, or through
it may appear moth-eaten because of patchy hair loss. the skin. Pythiosis affects the gastrointestinal system and lymph
nodes, and rarely the skin. Gastrointestinal infection will cause the
Pyometra: Also known as a pyo, is an infection of the uterus. gastrointestinal tract to thicken and eventually an abdominal mass
Pyometra is a secondary infection that occurs as a result of or intestinal obstruction will develop. The most common sign of
hormonal changes in the female’s reproductive tract. The main pythiosis is weight loss from gastrointestinal involvement. These
risk period for a female is for eight weeks after her peak standing dogs can become emaciated. Unless the disease is diagnosed early
heat (or estrus cycle) has ended. Causative pathogens include in its course, it is generally fatal. Large breed of dogs who are

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