What is German shepherd pyoderma?

Bacterial skin infection (pyoderma) is very common in dogs, and is usually easily treated with antibiotics. Infection is almost invariably caused by Staphylococcus intermedius, which does not produce any problems in people.

Chronic, recurring, or deep infections can also occur, generally due to an underlying cause, and these are more difficult to treat. In German shepherds, a deep pyoderma is seen (meaning the infection extends beyond and beneath superficial structures in the skin) which causes severe chronic draining lesions in the area of the lower back and hind legs. Sometimes an underlying cause can be identified.

How is German shepherd pyoderma inherited?

The predisposition to this condition is thought to be autosomal recessive; however as with all pyodermas, there are frequently other factors involved.

What breeds are affected by German shepherd pyoderma?

This is seen most often in German shepherd dogs bred of European lines.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does German shepherd pyoderma mean to your dog & you?

The condition most often develops in middle-aged, otherwise healthy dogs. You may first notice that your dog bites at the lower back region, indicating itchiness. Early lesions such as pustules, erosions and crusting may be hidden by the haircoat but gradually there will be hair loss, deeper ulcerations and draining sinuses. The areas affected (lower back, outer thighs) may be quite painful.

How is German shepherd pyoderma diagnosed?

The condition is diagnosed based on the clinical signs, response to antibiotics, and recurring nature.

How is German shepherd pyoderma treated?

Predisposing factors such as fleas, flea-bite hypersensitivity, food allergies, and hypothyroidism must be identified and treated. Appropriate antibiotics must be given for a sufficient length of time, which may be as long as 6 to 10 weeks. Your veterinarian will likely also recommend antibacterial shampoos to remove infectious debris (discharge, crusts, etc).

This recurrent condition usually requires life-long management. Your veterinarian will work with you to devise a control programme that works for your dog, which may include immunomodulatory bacterins, long term antibiotic use, and/or regular antibacterial shampoos.

Breeding advice

Avoid breeding affected dogs and their close relatives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

One Response to “German shepherd pyoderma”

1. Vhachey says:

   July 22, 2008 at 9:49 am

   GOOD NEWS! Our German Shepherd has Deep Pyoderma, her condition has been very grim. We have been through so many antibiotics, I’ve lost count. (I could look it up as we started keeping records of all that we have tried) A brand new antibiotic has come out for this exact condition, called Convenia by Pfizer. The dosage (and cost) is by the pound. So if you figure our Elsa is 100 lbs and the shot is $200, once EVERY 2 WEEKS. IT WORKS! Our Elsa will never be back to normal too much damage has been done, but even after 1 shot we can really tell the difference. She is on her 2nd shot and we are very excited about her progress.

   [Reply]