Primary Pyoderma

Ajax first showed signs of this disease at approximately 6 months old. He developed "ringworm" like circles that were inflamed all along his groin and stomache. A scraping and culture was performed and detected no sign of mange mites or fungus. Ajax was treated for ~10 days with Cephalexin. It cleared up. The condition reappeared again about 4 months later. This time the "ringlike" areas were not only on his stomache, but all along his trunk. They first appeared as raised bumps. These raised bumps eventually opened and turned very red. After they opened, they would start to scab and then the hair would fall out. This process would take about three to four weeks to complete. Throughout this time, Ajax was very uncomfortable. Once the bumps appeared, they would itch. As you can imagine, I was very concerned. I was constantly at the vet trying different kinds of treatment. My vet recommended a canine dermatologist to conduct allergy testing so I made an appointment.

After discussing Ajax's condition with the vet, he seemed very certain that this was not allergies. He drew blood for a thyroid test....it came back normal. The vet thought it could possibly be Primary Pyoderma after sharing information I had concerning some of Ajax's relatives. She recommended an extended treatment of Cephalexin of 6-8 weeks.

Four months later, Ajax came down with more bumps. These bumps progressed through the now predictable sequence listed above. In addtion to the bumps this time, he had very large, infected pustuals between his toes. These pussy blisters would get so large and painful that it would actually affect his mobility. This led me to another skin specialist. After he consulted another dermatologist, Dr. Breen (Cincinatti), he confirmed the previous diagnosis. Ajax had infact inherited a form of Primary Pyoderma. The specialist recited the veternarian medicine textbook concerning Primary Pyoderma. Ajax was an exact match to the symptoms listed.

As you read information about it, and check out the links I have provided, you will learn that this disease has become rampant in many other breeds. The Great Dane is a wonderful breed with many other health challenges facing it. Let's not let this happen to the Dane.

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What is pyoderma?The most common, owner response is that the dog itches, has red areas, often with pimples or scabs and the pet may smell. Surface pyodermas may show as areas of redness and irritation, often developing in raised round, scabs. Superficial pyodermas produce yellow spots which then break out into larger wheals and scabs. Deep pyoderma can make pets systemically ill and produce abscesses and oozing, inflamed channels in the skin surface. Certain areas may be particularly prone to infection. Interdigital areas, inside ears, the groin and along the middle of the back are common sites in the dog. Other diseases such as yeast infections can look very similar and so if there isn't a rapid resolution with home treatment, seek professional advice. (Isabelle Vets)

This is what it can look like on the stomache/groin.

This is what it can look like on the bottom of the foot between the pads.

This link is about a study being done in the English Mastiffs concerning this same disease. In the English Mastiffs, this disease is running rampant. Researchers are attempting to trace the inheritance of the gene. The Mastiff Skin Problem

Through my own research, I found a page that discussed the hereditary gene for "German Shepherd Pyoderma," which is a VERY severe form of the disease. The researcher in the article determined that the gene was Autosomal recessive.

This link shows and describes other dogs with a pyoderma. Some of it is Primary, but most is secondary...truth be told, they are the same with the exception of the cause. The Magazine of Veterinarian Medicine

Some research has been done to measure the body's reaction to Primary Pyoderma. This study shows that dogs that are prone to this disease react to the bacteria as an allergen. Vet Immunol Immunopathol

The website listed below discusses a form of treatment for "idopathic" pyoderma. This is the same as Primary Pyoderma. I do not necessarily support the treatment they suggest, but it is an interesting way of controlling the disease. Make sure you discuss all treatments with your veterinarian. Cephalexin Intermittent Therapy

This link came from the Great Dane Health Foundation of America. It discusses possible homeopathic treatments for danes with skin problems. It covers many types of skin problems including pyoderma. They refer to it as a staphylococcus infection.

For more information or to just discuss similar problems you've had, please email me. The more information we have on this disease, the better we can protect the breed.

This article was sent by another dane owner that has had trouble with deep pyoderma. She is in the process of using the medication tested in the article and is having EXCELLENT results. Efficacy of clindamycin hydrochloride capsules for the treatment of deep pyoderma due to Staphylococcus intermedius infection in dogs.