Lip Fold Dermatitis

Also Known As: Intertrigo — Skin Fold Pyoderma — Skin Fold Dermatitis

Introduction

Lip fold dermatitis is a form of superficial pyoderma that occurs in the dog. As the name suggests, it most commonly occurs in the lip folds, but it may occur in any skin fold on the body. The infection occurs secondary to irritation, poor ventilation and moisture from tears, saliva, glandular secretions or urine. In severe cases, skin and subcutis may slough.

Although the infection is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus sp. but other bacteria and Malassezia pachydermatitis can also cause the condition.

Signalment

The condition is most commonly seen in dogs with large lip folds and excessive skin such as Bloodhounds, St Bernards, Springer Spaniels and Bulldogs. Areas affected are commonly the facial fold in brachycephalic breeds, lip fold, body fold, vulvular fold (obese females), tail fold (corkscrew tails).

Cows with large, pendolous udder may become affected in area between thigh and udder.

Other factors such as trauma, irritations, dental disease, remote dermatitis and autoimmune disease can contribute to the condition.

Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

Clinical signs are limited to the affected facial folds. Infection is characteristically very odorous and the affected skin is normally erythematous, swollen and moist.

Diagnosis can be made based on the clinical presentation.

Treatment & Control

In acute cases, the area should be clipped (hair removed) to avoid matting and accumulation of moisture) and then cleaned thoroughly twice daily for two weeks. Concurrent treatment with topical glucacorticoids is often necessary.

Shampoos, gels or ointments with antimicrobial properties such as benzoyl peroxide can be used to control the condition. Long term management should include weight loss as this decreases the size of lip folds and if the problem is still not resolved by this point then surgery to remove excess skin and eliminate folds should be considered.

Lip Fold Dermatitis Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 18

References

Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) Veterinary Dermatology RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, Royal Veterinary College

Lloyd, D (1996) Dealing with cutaneous staphylococcal infection in the dog In Practice 1996 18: 223-231

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual

Verstraete, F. J. M. (1998) Self-Assessment Colour Review - Veterinary Dentistry Manson

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