Treatment of pyoderma, external otitis and fungal dermatitis in the small animal medicine

Pyoderma and external otitis has a high incidence in small animal practice. Successful management depends on an understanding of the primary predisposing and perpetuating factors involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Emphasis is then placed on establishing a diagnosis through physical examination, cytologic examination, culture and sensitivity testing. Pyoderma is usually associated with coagulase-positive staphylococci which multiply on skin. Primary causes include hypersensitivity, ectoparasites and metabolic and immunological disorders. Pyodermas may be classified according to depth of infection as this affects the type and duration of therapy required and the prognosis. Deeper forms require more aggressive and prolonged therapy. Management of pyodermas depends on the identification of the underlying cause and the therapy using systemic and topical antimicrobial agents. Idiopathic cases may require time consuming or even lifelong therapy with such medicaments. The general goals of the management of otitis externa are to remove or control the primary factors, clean and dry the ear, reduce inflammation and resolve secondary infections. These goals are achieved via various cleaning techniques, topical and systemic therapies.