Yes acne. Of course, we should call it by its real name: Puppy Pyoderma, or Pyogenic Dermatitis. But, just as a rose is a rose by any other name, so is acne a pus-producing infection of the skin. These skin infections can be primary or secondary, superficial or deep. Since it is an ‘infection’ we can expect bacteria to be involved. Staphs and streps are the usual culprits. But metabolic disorders, immune deficiencies, a hormonal imbalance, even allergies might, in some ways, be associated with the development of puppy acne.
Usually, the problem is superficial and exhibits itself by circular pus-filled blisters on the puppy’s abdomen and groin. The edges (margins) of the blisters are crusty and scaly. When the blisters, burst, thin brown crusts are left behind. Milk rash or impetigo are the names given to these blisters on the abdomen.
On other occasions, the acne is found on the mouth of the puppy, especially on the chin and lower lip area. In this case, the malady exhibits itself more in the form of pimples (pustules). In those puppies or young dogs with greasy/oily skin, one would expect to find the skin pores being blocked up. It is thought that these pores caked up with fatty substances would predispose to acne development.
I usually advise clients to wipe the acne with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Thereafter, one should rub an antibiotic cream/ointment into the area with the pustules. Actually I am a firm believer in gentian violet and Povidone iodine, so I use these solutions a lot. If there is too must fatty substance involved, then it is advisable to firstly wash the area with a shampoo (Seleen or Selsun Blue).
I should mention, in passing, that sometimes the infection is so severe, that the lymph nodes become enlarged. There is also a swelling around the eyes and mouth accompanied by pustules and hair loss. The puppies/young dogs may go off their food, be lethargic and have a fever. Veterinary intervention is advised at this stage of the condition.
Some good news, though. As the animals get older, the disease tends to be self-limiting. The problem clears up by itself. Of course, if the bacterial invasion is getting the upper hand, and lots of skin damage and pus formation are taking place, then obviously you/your veterinarian must intervene.
Very seldomly will cats show these symptoms, and when they do, other types of bacteria are usually involved.
Neonatal conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process involving the surface of the eyeball and lining of the inner surface of the eyelids. ‘Neonatal’ refers to the newborn.
Pups’ eyes open some time between 10 days and two weeks after birth. On occasion, the area behind the closed eyelids becomes infected. This can happen when the puppies within the litter are struggling with each other to get at the lactating nipples, and the eyelids get scratched in such a way as to create lesions which allow bacterial entry to the space behind the closed eyelids. Also, if the pup picks up a general infection by ingesting or breathing in germs, then these infectious agents can lodge themselves in the closed space between the eyelid and the eyeball.
At this point, a puffiness develops in the area around the eyes. If the pup is light coloured (white, light brown) then one might be able to see a pronounced redness associated with the swelling. Often, accompanying the redness and the swelling, there is a discharge from the eyes. Please consider any eye discharge in a puppy, whether purulent or not, to be a serious matter.
The treatment will entail you prising the eyelids apart and allowing the pus to flow out. If we leave the pus to develop and amass behind the eyelids, we could be courting serious (even permanent) damage to the eye later on. The problem of course, is to keep the eyelids apart on a continuous basis, thus allowing a perpetual outflow of the pus or contaminated watery material. You can achieve this by wiping/flushing the affected/infected eye with a borax solution (or any one of the commercial eye lotions/washes) and antibiotic drops. Your veterinarian will not only advise you which antibiotic drops to use, but he/she must write the prescription. The antibiotic drops can be used 3-4 times daily; you may flush the eye 6-10 times daily, the guiding factor being the need to keep the eyelids from closing down again.
Next week, we will deal with more puppy ailments: cleft palate/hare lip, etc. Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
