• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Upcoming dvm360 Conferences
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
Veterinary Heroes
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Pustules and crusts: What else can it be besides pyoderma? (Proceedings)

August 1, 2011
.Patrick Hensel, Dr.med.vet., DACVD

Pustules, crusts and epidermal collarettes are superficial skin lesions which are often seen in association with superficial pyoderma. Although in such situations a pyoderma is the most likely diagnosis and antibiotic therapy is justified, other diseases should be considered, especially after poor response to initial therapy.

Pustules, crusts and epidermal collarettes are superficial skin lesions which are often seen in association with superficial pyoderma. Although in such situations a pyoderma is the most likely diagnosis and antibiotic therapy is justified, other diseases should be considered, especially after poor response to initial therapy.

Pustules

Advertisement

Pustules are macroscopic subcorneal/intraepidermal cavities filled with predominantly neutrophils. They result from the breakdown in the integrity keratinocytes in the epidermis. Pustules can be discrete or poorly defined, and may contain besides neutrophils, eosinophils, and apoptotic keratinocytes. Pustules are very fragile and tend to rupture easily.

Crusts

Crusts are composed of keratin, cellular debris and often microorganisms. Crusts are usually the result of previous exudation and so are not considered to be a good source for making a specific diagnosis. However, it is important to examine these crusts for bacteria, fungal spores (Malassezia or dermatophytes) and unusual cells such as clusters of acantholytic cells, which would indicate a possible Pemphigus foliaceus.

Crusts can be occasionally mistaken with hyperkeratotic conditions, which are associated with some form of crusting, but usually don't show concurrent pustule formation unless a secondary pyoderma is present. This kind of clinical presentation could be associated with diseases such as other auto-immune diseases, Vit A deficiency, Zinc-responsive dermatosis, hepatocutanous syndrome, canine primary seborrhea, sebaceous adenitis, etc.

Diagnostic Tests

Cytology is the easiest in house test to obtain a preliminary diagnosis. Although not 100% reliable, as any other test, it will provide enough information to come up with a preliminary diagnosis. If pustules are large enough samples should be obtained through fine-needle aspiration to prevent surface contamination. If no bacteria can be detected or if unusual cells are present (e.g. clusters of acantholytic cells), skin scrapings (e.g. Demodex), fungal cultures (e.g. Dermatophytes), and biopsies (e.g. Pemphigus foliaceus) may be necessary to rule out other diseases which have been associated with pustule formation.

In this lecture a series of clinical cases with a variation of pustular and crusty lesions will be presented and discussed.

Related Content:

Dermatology
Comparing treatments for restoring the skin barrier in atopic dogs
Comparing treatments for restoring the skin barrier in atopic dogs
Exploring molecular allergology as the future of allergy testing and immunotherapy
Exploring molecular allergology as the future of allergy testing and immunotherapy
dvm360® is seeking nominations for the 2023 Veterinary Heroes Awards
dvm360® is seeking nominations for the 2023 Veterinary Heroes Awards

Advertisement

Latest News

Comparing treatments for restoring the skin barrier in atopic dogs

Increasing efficiency and productivity in uncertain times

AAVMC awards almost $100,000 in diversity scholarships

News wrap-up: This week’s headlines, plus Maryland Zoo welcomes baby addra gazelle

View More Latest News
Advertisement