Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

158 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
is a predisposing cause. Acne is more common among Doberman Pinschers,
Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Great Danes, and Bulldogs, but can occur in any
puppy.
Treatment: Topical therapy for impetigo and mild acne involves bathing
the puppy with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo (OxyDex or Pyoben) twice a
week for two to three weeks. Correct any predisposing causes, such as unsanitary
puppy quarters.
Acne is often a deep-seated skin infection and may not respond to topical
therapy alone. Your veterinarian may add a course of oral antibiotics that are
effective against Staphylococcus. Acne usually resolves spontaneously at sexual
maturity.
FOLLICULITIS
Folliculitis is an infection that begins in the hair follicles. In mild folliculitis
you typically will find many small pustules with a hair shaft protruding through
the center of each. Dogs with mild cases may have rings of scales around the
follicles. Once the follicles become infected, the infection can bore deeply into
the dermis, forming large pustules and furuncles that rupture, discharge pus,
and crust over. Draining sinus tracts develop in cases of deep folliculitis.
Folliculitis usually involves the
undersurface of the body, especially
the armpits, abdomen, and groin. A
condition called Schnauzer comedo
syndrome is common in Miniature
Schnauzers. Dogs suffering from this
disease have many large blackheads
running down the middle of their
back.
Folliculitis often occurs as a secondary
complication to scabies,
demodectic mange, seborrhea, hormonal
skin disease, and other problems.
Some cases are caused by
vigorous grooming, which traumatizes
the hair follicles.
Treatment: It is important to identify
and treat the underlying cause as
well as the folliculitis.
Mild cases should be treated as
described for acne. Deep folliculitis
These small, pimplelike pustules on the
abdomen are typical of folliculitis.
requires vigorous topical and systemic
therapy. Clip away the hair from