German Shepherd dog pyoderma: a prospective study of 23 cases

Twenty-three German Shepherd dogs affected with recurrent deep pyoderma (GS P) were studied prospectively. After selection according to inclusive and e xclusive criteria, parameters of humoral and cell-mediated immunity were ex amined. Radial immunodiffusion showed high levels of IgG and low levels of IgA. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry. The CD8 subpopulation was abnormally elevated, while the CD4 cell subpopulation was decreased. German Shepherd pyoderma is thus associated with immunological factors.