Small Animal Dermatology Q&A 14

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A chocolate Labrador retriever puppy was presented for the acute onset of facial swelling, depression, and anorexia. Upon physical examination, the puppy was found to be febrile and have generalized lymphadenopathy.

Question	Answer		Article
This is a classic presentation of what disease?	Canine juvenile cellulitis or puppy strangles. This is an inflammatory granulomatous and pustular skin disease that affects the face, pinnae, and lymph nodes of puppies. The cause is unknown.		[[|Link to Article]]
What diagnostic tests are indicated, and what is the treatment of choice?	The clinical signs can present as deep pyoderma or severe pustular dermatitis. The primary differential diagnoses are demodicosis, bacterial pyoderma, and drug reactions. Skin scrapings are needed to rule out demodicosis. Impression smears should be obtained to determine if there is a concurrent bacterial infection. Although not necessary for diagnosis, skin biopsy findings are consistent with granulomatous panniculitis. Glucocorticoids are the treatement of choice for this disease. Early and aggressive treatment is needed because this disease can be life threatening and can cause severe scarring. Prednisone or prednisolone (2 mg/kg PO q24h) is administered until the lesions resolve (10–21 days). After the lesions resolve, the dose of prednisone should be gradually decreased and tapered over a 30 day period. If glucocorticoids are discontinued too rapidly, relapse will occur. Topical therapy with warm antibacterial soaks may be used to remove debris and exudates.		[[|Link to Article]]
What are the less common presentations of this disease?	This disease can develop in older dogs (>6 months age) as periocular granulomatous dermatitis. Puppies may also develop nodular panniculitis alone or with classic lesions.		[[|Link to Article]]