Puppy pyoderma (also known as juvenile cellulitis) typically occurs between three weeks to four months of age, in any breed of puppy. It is characterised by an acute swelling of the face, especially the lips, eyelids, chin and muzzle.
It can be confused with an allergic reaction (e.g. a bee sting or vaccination reaction) and can develop into pustules that drain and scab.
The submandibular lymph nodes enlarge dramatically, hence giving the disease its other name of “strangles”.
Puppies are often lethargic, with appetite loss, pyrexia, and pain in the joints.
There may be an immune aetiology to the disease because affected animals respond well to steroids.
Leave a Reply