JUVENILE PYODERMA (PUPPY STRANGLES)

Juvenile pyoderma occurs in puppies 4 to 16 weeks of age and often affects several puppies in the same litter. It can be recognized by a sudden swelling of the lips, eyelids, ear flaps, or face, along with the rapid development of pustules, crusts, skin erosions, and ulcers. The lymph nodes beneath the chin may become swollen and enlarged. These pups are quite sick and must be seen promptly by a veterinarian. Although bacteria have been implicated in some cases of puppy strangles, this is the exception rather than the rule. Most cases are considered to be an inflammatory immune process of unknown cause. Treatment: Apply warm, moist packs for 15 minutes three times a day. Further treatment involves the use of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics for 14 days. Antibiotics alone are not effective. Do not attempt to express the pus from the sores. This increases the likelihood of scarring.