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For additional information, please contact your Banfield medical team. What causes skin infections in pets? Bacteria and yeast are the types of organisms that most commonly result in skin infections in pets. Most infections result from an overgrowth of organisms that normally live on the skin (or in other body locations) without causing trouble. When the skin is diseased or abnormal, it may provide a more favorable environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. A wide variety of diseases can predispose your pet to skin infections, including those caused by allergies, hormonal imbalances, fleas and other external parasites. To properly treat and prevent infections from returning, your veterinarian may investigate some of these causes. How are skin infections diagnosed? Clinical signs will aid your veterinarian in making a diagnosis. Bacterial infections (pyoderma) can take many forms, but oſten produce inflamed skin with rings of scale, patchy hair loss and/or crusts. Yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis) oſten result in inflammation, itching, and thickened rough skin. Your veterinarian may perform a skin impression and microscopic examination to look for the type and abundance of these organisms. Due to the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a culture and sensitivity test may also be recommended to aid in the selection of an effective antibiotic. How are skin infections treated? Most skin infections are treated with a combination of a systemic medication and a topical treatment. This will vary with the type of infection, the area affected and the severity. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and antifungal drugs are used to treat yeast infections. Any underling cause that might be uncovered also needs to be addressed. What can you do to protect the entire family from skin infections? Good hand hygiene (frequent washing) is the most important aspect of preventing family members from becoming infected with bacteria or yeast from your infected pet. Bathing pets regularly with an antimicrobial shampoo may also help prevent re- infection and minimize the family’s exposure to bacteria and yeast. Skin Infections

Skin Infections - Banfield Pet HospitalWhat causes skin infections in pets? Bacteria and yeast are the types of organisms that most commonly result in skin infections in pets. Most

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Page 1: Skin Infections - Banfield Pet HospitalWhat causes skin infections in pets? Bacteria and yeast are the types of organisms that most commonly result in skin infections in pets. Most

For additional information, please contact your Banfield medical team.

What causes skin infections in pets? Bacteria and yeast are the types of organisms that most commonly result in skin infections in pets. Most infections result from an overgrowth of organisms that normally live on the skin (or in other body locations) without causing trouble. When the skin is diseased or abnormal, it may provide a more favorable environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. A wide variety of diseases can predispose your pet to skin infections, including those caused by allergies, hormonal imbalances, fleas and other external parasites. To properly treat and prevent infections from returning, your veterinarian may investigate some of these causes.

How are skin infections diagnosed? Clinical signs will aid your veterinarian in making a diagnosis. Bacterial infections (pyoderma) can take many forms, but often produce inflamed skin with rings of scale, patchy hair loss and/or crusts. Yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis) often result in inflammation, itching, and thickened rough skin. Your veterinarian may perform a skin impression and microscopic examination to look for the type and abundance of these organisms. Due to the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a culture and sensitivity test may also be recommended to aid in the selection of an effective antibiotic.

How are skin infections treated? Most skin infections are treated with a combination of a systemic medication and a topical treatment. This will vary with the type of infection, the area affected and the severity. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and antifungal drugs are used to treat yeast infections. Any underling cause that might be uncovered also needs to be addressed.

What can you do to protect the entire family from skin infections?Good hand hygiene (frequent washing) is the most important aspect of preventing family members from becoming infected with bacteria or yeast from your infected pet. Bathing pets regularly with an antimicrobial shampoo may also help prevent re-infection and minimize the family’s exposure to bacteria and yeast.

Skin Infections