Successful Management of Staphylococcal Dermatitis in a Dog: A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: Aim of this report is to discuss about a canine Staphylococcal dermatitis case with its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies. Presentation of Case: A seven-year-old female mixed breed dog was brought with complaints of severe itching over the whole-body area for one year along with alopecia and other symptoms. The dog was examined and laboratory examinations (skin scraping examination, skin swab culture, and haematology) were done for a proper diagnosis. PCR was performed to detect the presence of Staphylococcus using published primers. The management of dermatitis was done with ivermectin, and adjunct therapy using omega fatty acids to alleviate symptoms for 28 days. The case was reviewed periodically and improvements were recorded. The results were discussed with published research articles in the subject and conclusions were given Discussion: Dermatitis is a common skin disease in dogs caused by various aetiologies. Bacteria like Staphylococcus can cause dermatitis when there is a damage of skin's protective barrier by underlying issues like allergies, wounds, external parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. Conclusion: Ivermectin can be used for the treatment of dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus. Adjunct therapy with omega fatty acids could alleviate the symptoms (pruritus, alopecia, lichenification, erythema, excoriation, patches, crusts and foul odour) associated with dermatitis.