Histopathologic features of pyotraumatic dermatitis.

The skin of 17 dogs with pyotraumatic dermatitis was studied microscopically. Two patterns were seen. The first pattern was a superficial, ulcerative, inflammatory process of undetermined cause and pathogenesis. Current recommended treatment, which includes corticosteroids, was believed to be appropriate for such lesions. The second pattern, suppurative folliculitis, was considered to be localized pyoderma. Dogs with severe folliculitis were believed to represent those cases of pyotraumatic dermatitis in which the response to corticosteroid treatment has been poor. It was concluded that antibiotics should be used for treating pyotraumatic dermatitis with suppurative folliculitis, in lesions responding poorly to treatment with corticosteroids, or possibly in any severe lesion of pyotraumatic dermatitis, especially in Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.