Bacterial pyoderma in Dogs

Category: Skin & Connective Tissue
Breeds documented: 15
Published sources: 6

Overview

Bacteria can cause a skin infection called pyoderma, often after another problem has disturbed the skin. Allergies, parasites and certain internal diseases can make infection more likely. Some infections remain near the surface, causing spots, crusts and patches of hair loss. Deeper infections can cause painful swellings and sores that release blood or pus.

Signs to watch for

Small raised bumps or pus-filled spots
Crusts, scabs or flaky skin
Patchy hair loss
Itching of affected skin
Painful swelling, unpleasant odor or leaking sores with deeper infection

Some forms affect puppies; others develop alongside underlying skin or internal disease.

When to get help Book a veterinary visit for new skin sores, especially painful swelling or discharge.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet examines the skin and looks at samples under a microscope for bacteria and inflammatory cells. A bacterial culture can help guide treatment, particularly when infections keep returning. Skin scrapings or other tests may be needed to rule out parasites and fungal disease and to identify an underlying trigger.

Breeds with documented risk

15 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
4 Medium
5 Large
4 Giant

All 15 breeds, A to Z

Chinese Shar-pei Source ivis.org
Collie Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dachshund Source ivis.org
Doberman Pinscher Source ivis.org

German Shepherd Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Golden Retriever Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Great Dane Source ivis.org

Labrador Retriever Source ivis.org

Newfoundland Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pug Source link.springer.com

Rottweiler Source ivis.org

Saint Bernard Source ivis.org

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.