Topical therapy for canine pyoderma: what is new?

Domenico SantoroDepartment of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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 DVM, MS, DrSc, PhD, DACVD, DECVD, DACVM
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.01.0001
Volume/Issue:
Volume 261: Issue S1
Online Publication Date:
20 Mar 2023
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Abstract

Antimicrobial-resistant cutaneous infections are increasing in veterinary medicine. The use of systemic antibiotics should be limited to severe cases of pyoderma to decrease the microbial pressure and selection for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical antimicrobials with a low-resistance profile, such as chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, and ethyl lactate have been used for decades in veterinary dermatology. However, new alternatives have been explored in the past decade. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the antibacterial efficacy and clinical use, when reported, of “classic” and new treatment options for topically treating canine pyoderma. This review is intended to fill the gap from previous systematic reviews published in veterinary dermatology a decade ago. The studies reported in this review emphasize the need and desire for alternatives to the classic topical antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine to significantly reduce the use of systemic antibiotics in the spirit of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

Abstract

Antimicrobial-resistant cutaneous infections are increasing in veterinary medicine. The use of systemic antibiotics should be limited to severe cases of pyoderma to decrease the microbial pressure and selection for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical antimicrobials with a low-resistance profile, such as chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, and ethyl lactate have been used for decades in veterinary dermatology. However, new alternatives have been explored in the past decade. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the antibacterial efficacy and clinical use, when reported, of “classic” and new treatment options for topically treating canine pyoderma. This review is intended to fill the gap from previous systematic reviews published in veterinary dermatology a decade ago. The studies reported in this review emphasize the need and desire for alternatives to the classic topical antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine to significantly reduce the use of systemic antibiotics in the spirit of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Dr. Santoro (dsantoro@ufl.edu)
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
01 Jun 2023
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