GERMAN-SHEPHERD PYODERMA

German shepherd pyoderma (GSP) is a unique, recurrent or refractory de ep pyoderma that is characterized;by pruritus condition may progress t o affect multiple regions of the body and become a generalized skin di sease. The underlying disease processes that predispose animals to GSP may include flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, cell-mediated immunodeficiency, or hypothyroidism. GSP may have an in herited component and is occasionally idiopathic in nature. A recent p rospective study evaluated several parameters in 12 patients that were affected with GSP; the results suggested that GSP should be considere d a disease caused by multiple underlying conditions rather than a ski n disorder caused by a single defect. Management requires a thorough a nd.systematic approach to the investigation of each patient for the po ssible triggering disease processes. The specific treatment for each u nderlying disease identified fled should be initiated with the objecti ve of resolving the recurrent nature of the deep pyodermal.The initial supportive medical treatment usually requires at least 8 weeks of con tinuous systemic antibiotic therapy and medicated baths while the clin ician attempts to determine each underlying disease process involved i n the particular case of GSP.