Rational selection of systemic antibacterial agents in the management of canine pyoderma

摘要

Systemic antimicrobial therapy is frequently provided for dermatological cases, often with little thought to the underlying aetiology, likely pathogen or owner compliance. Common faults include misdiagnosis, under dosage, inappropriate choice of antibacterial agent, insufficient duration of administration and poor compliance. There are well-documented regimes for the use of most antibacterial agents (1,2). The most likely bacterium involved in canine pyoderma is Staphylococcus intermedius. Staphylococcus arueus is reported to be implicated in 10% cases (1, 2). Other bacteria, principally coagulasenegative staphylococci and Gram-negative bacilli, are unlikely to be major pathogens and, in mixed infections, do not require specific therapy: If the S. intermedius is treated effectively the other bacteria are also eliminated. An exception to this rule might be in immunocompromised patients (generalized demodicosis, endocrinopathies) where mixed infections mandate C&S and careful selection of antibacterial agents.