Cutaneous infections

Question 1

Cutaneous are usually associated with commensal bacterias such as Staph pseudointermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis. How are they diagnosed?

Answer 1

Cytology

Culture not diagnostic as commensal

Question 2

What bacteria is commonly associated with bacterial pyoderma? Pyoderma only develops in the presence of an underlying cause e.g. trauma, immunodeficiency, allergy

Answer 2

Staph pseudointermedius

Question 3

What is surface pyoderma?

Answer 3

Overgrowth of surface epidermis

Not infection as not pyogenic

Question 4

How is surface pyoderma treated?

Answer 4

Topical antimicrobials

+/- topical or systemic steroids

Question 5

What are the 3 types of surface pyoderma?

Answer 5

Pyotraumatic dermatitis - Hotspots
Intertrigo - skin fold pyoderma
Bacterial overgrowth - ventral trunk and digital spaces (seen with CAD)

Question 6

Superficial pyoderma/folliculitis is an infection of the epidermis and superficial hair follicles. What is the treatment?

Answer 6

Systemic antibiotics

2-3 weeks

Question 7

Deep pyoderma (folliculitis and furunculosis) is chronic disease associated with pyogranulomatous inflammation. It often involves what parts of the body? How is the animal systemically?

Answer 7

Pressure points

Systemic illness - pain, fever, lymphadenopathy

Question 8

Deep skin infections are rare. They are more common in which animals?

Answer 8

Immunosuppressed

Question 9

Give 2 examples of what can cause deep skin infections

Answer 9

Trauma or bites - atypical bacteria or fungi

Ingestion/inhalation - Mycobacteria or Cryptococcus

Question 10

Mycobacteriosis is notifiable. What diet is it associated with?

Answer 10

Commercial raw food diets

Question 11

What samples are needed to diagnose Mycobacteriosis?

Answer 11

Barrier nurse!
Dip impression smears in 95% ethanol for 1 hour
Fix histopath in formalin

Question 12

Name a topical anti-septics that can be used for sole therapy of surface infections

Answer 12

Chlorhexidine shampoo (Malaseb)

Question 13

What is the treatment for Malassezia dermatitis?

Answer 13

Shampoo: chlorhexidine +/- miconazole
Only use systemic antifungals if severe and underlying disease addressed
Allergy vaccine if hypersensitive

Question 14

How long should systemic antibiotics be used for, for deep and superficial pyoderma?

Answer 14

Superficial - 2-3 weeks

Deep 4-12 weeks