These sad looking pups begin
to have noticeable skin trouble at about five weeks of age. One or
more pups in a litter may be affected. What the veterinarian sees
at examination is usually a well fed, otherwise healthy pup that has massively
enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the skin and often wet oozing sores.
Marked swelling is usually most pronounced around the head
and neck and the ears (pinnas) are thickened, scabs form and a thin fluid
seeps from the pathologic tissues. In some cases the skin will
crack open the swelling is so severe. The lymph nodes under the jaw (submandibular
lymph nodes) become extremely swollen and painful and may actually drain
to the skin surface.
Cultures of these open sores rarely indicate a bacterial component
and newer research seems to point to an immune dysfunction as the root
cause of the puppy’s uncomfortable medical condition. Since bacterial
origins seldom play a role, administering antibiotics rarely has any effect
on the condition. Instead, treatment with Prednisone,
an cortisone-like drug, works very well if given in higher than usual 
doses for two weeks, then the dose is tapered off as the dog matures
and the condition resolves. Sometimes dramatic improvement is noted
after just a few doses of the Prednisone.
Therapy also entails routine cleaning of the skin and hydrotherapy
where the pup is soaked in warm water with just a small amount of antiseptic
added. If a particular case seems to have a secondary bacterial infection,
which might be expected with such skin stress and exudative material present
on the skin, antibiotics may be needed to assist resolution of the overall
problem.
Fluid therapy and Vitamin administration may be helpful for pups
that are dehydrated and not eating well. And a high quality, meat-based
diet is indispensable in helping the pup to recover form Juvenile Cellulitis.
Almost all pups will recover but permanent scarring, lack of hair production
and pigment changes can be a reminder of this nasty puppy skin disease.
http://www.thepetcenter.com
sole property of ThePetCenter.com.
Any copying or reprinting of this material may be done only with
verifiable permission.
mailto:Contact Permission@petfooddirect.com for details
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
