| Allergic skin diseases predispose dogs and cats to cutaneous infections
including microbial overgrowth and surface, superficial and deep
pyoderma, most commonly involving pathogenic staphylococci and Malassezia
pachydermatis. These can be treated successfully with systemic and
topical antimicrobial agents but tend to recur unless the allergy is
well controlled. In the face of emerging multiresistance in Europe,
particularly in Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius,
antibacterial treatment should be based on culture and sensitivity
tests, and adoption of treatment regimens ensuring good compliance and
antimicrobial administration for appropriate periods. Recurrence of
infection can be controlled with topical antimicrobials and especially
shampoos containing chlorhexidine and benzoyl peroxide but long term low
dose or pulse therapy should be avoided. Staphylococcal vaccines can be
effective in some cases of superfi cial pyoderma.
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