Antibiotic responsive ulcerative dermatoses in German Shepherd Dogs with mucocutaneous pyoderma

Abstract

Mucocutaneous pyoderma is a disease of unknown aetiology affecting mucocutaneous skin and is responsive to antibacterial therapy. It is reported to affect the lips, nasal planum, nares, perioral skin and less commonly, the eyelids, vulva, prepuce and anus. Three cases of mucocutaneous pyoderma are presented. Two of the cases showed ulcerative lesions in the inguinal and axillary regions in addition to more typically reported lesions. Two of the dogs had concurrent atopic dermatitis and the third had clinical signs suggestive of hyper-sensitivity disease. The clinical and histopathological features, differentiation of mucocutaneous pyoderma from discoid lupus erythematosus, and long-term management of mucocutaneous pyoderma are discussed.

Mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus in dogs (21 cases)

“…Mucocutaneous pyoderma is a poorly characterized skin disease of dogs to which German shepherds might also be predisposed . Mucocutaneous pyoderma can be differentiated from MCLE easily by its greater tendency to affect the nose or the perioral skin, a less erosive phenotype and a complete response of lesions to antibiotic therapy .…”

A case of antibacterial‐responsive mucocutaneous disease in a seven‐year‐old dwarf lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) resembling mucocutaneous pyoderma of dogs

“…In dogs, a diagnosis of mucocutaneous pyoderma is suggested by the history (including its often chronic and relapsing nature) (Scott and others , Basset and others ) and the clinical signs of bilaterally symmetrical, mild to moderately pruritic erythema, crusting and swelling of the mucocutaneous junctions with the lips and the perioral skin classically affected (Scott and others , Gross and others ). The nares and vulva may also be involved (Gross and others ).…”

“…The nares and vulva may also be involved (Gross and others ). Histopathological findings are non‐specific but include epidermal hyperplasia with exocytosis of lymphocytes and spongiosis, (Scott and others , Basset and others ). Self‐trauma may result in severe neutrophilic serocellular crusting (Gross and others ).…”

“…Dermal features consist of a predominantly plasma cell, perivascular to lichenoid infiltrate (Yager and Wilcock , Gross and others ). The response to topical and/or systemic antibacterial treatment is usually good but relapses may require maintenance therapy (Basset and others ). The features in the present case closely resemble these criteria and systemic and topical antibacterial treatment resulted in the remission of the clinical signs.…”

“…Atopic dermatitis has been described as a possible underlying cause of mucocutaneous pyoderma in dogs (Basset and others ). Cutaneous allergy has only been anecdotally reported in rabbits.…”