Pyoderma in Cats (Bacterial Skin Infection, Pus in the Skin)

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Pyoderma in Cats (Bacterial Skin Infection, Pus in the Skin)

By: Dr. Mark Thompson

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Section: Information In-depth

Surface Pyoderma

A hot spot (pyotraumatic dermatitis) is a surface pyoderma that is caused by self-trauma due to some itchy problem, often an allergy. It has the appearance of a moist, red lesion with acute loss of hair and is intensely itchy.

Skin fold pyoderma occurs in folds of skin that are moist and difficult for the animal to keep clean. Examples are: facial fold, tail fold, vulvar fold and lip fold pyoderma.

Superficial Pyoderma

Superficial pyoderma is infection within the skin. The bacterium that is nearly always incriminated in this infection is Staphylococcus intermedius. This form of pyoderma is the most common kind and affected animals have pustules that may rupture leaving a ring of scale that is called an epidermal collarette.

Pustules may or may not be associated with hair follicles. Pyoderma associated with hair follicles causes hair loss (alopecia) as the pustules rupture.

Superficial pyoderma rarely is a primary disease, but rather is a symptom of another skin problem. These underlying skin problems can be pruritic (itchy) or be caused by a suppressed immune system.

Pruritus (itching) leads to self-trauma that causes damage to the skin and breakdown of natural defense mechanisms allowing bacteria to penetrate into the epidermis causing pyoderma. Examples are allergy and infestation of parasite like mites or lice.

A suppressed immune system may allow bacteria to establish an infection within the skin. Examples are: hormonal diseases, like Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism, some infectious diseases, cancer or any disease that suppresses the immune system. Excessive use of corticosteroids like prednisolone can suppress the immune system.

There are some cases of pyoderma that recur after treatment, yet an underlying cause can never be found. This is called idiopathic pyoderma or primary pyoderma.

Superficial pyoderma must be differentiated from other diseases that present with pustules such as autoimmune skin diseases and certain fungal skin diseases.

Deep Pyoderma

Deep pyoderma is rare in cats but is much more severe than the more common forms. Cats with deep pyoderma have severe bacterial skin infections with open, draining sores and fever. These animals are very sick, are often not eating and are very depressed.

The bacteria that has infected the skin can be any of a number of species of bacteria and more than one species may be present. All cats with this form of pyoderma are assumed to have suppressed immune systems.

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1Acute Moist Dermatitis
A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin, and the body either itches or becomes inflamed. The itching then causes the dog to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, creating...
Read More
2Atopy in Cats
Atopy is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment. It can be difficult to diagnose in cats and, therefore, is probably under-diagnosed.
Read More
3Miliary Dermatitis
Miliary dermatitis is a papular, crusting skin disease accompanied by varying degrees of pruritis. Cats with miliary dermatitis have multiple, small bumps on their skin that are usually associated with...
Read More
4Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in cats and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...
Read More
5Pruritus (Itchiness) in Cats
How pruritus affects your dog’s health depends on the degree of the pruritus. Severe pruritus leads to intense scratching, which may result in painful skin lesions that may become infected.
Read More
6Skin Lesion or Sore in Cats
There are many different types of skin lesions that can occur in the skin of cats, and each lesion or combination of lesions can be caused by multiple diseases and conditions.
Read More

Pyoderma in Cats (Bacterial Skin Infection, Pus in the Skin)

Pyoderma in Cats (Bacterial Skin Infection, Pus in the Skin)

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