What is furunculosis?
" Belonging to the family of deep pyoderma, furunculosis is a dermatological condition in dogs that corresponds to a deep inflammation of its pilosebaceous apparatus (hair and sebaceous gland)."
Furunculosis is characterized by the appearance of multiple boils, in other words, by the appearance of multiple small abscesses at the base of the hairs which end up breaking by releasing pus, germs (bacteria or fungi) and keratin debris, which causes severe inflammation of the dog's skin.
It is due, in most cases (but not always!), to the presence of germs such as bacteria or fungi.
In the absence of treatment, furunculosis can worsen into "cellulitis" . It is the dissemination of the infection in the deep layers of the skin by the "fusion" of the boils between them.
The different forms of furunculosis in dogs
In dogs, there is no furunculosis but various forms of furunculosis including:
Chin furunculosis
Often referred to as "dog acne" , furunculosis of the chin is manifested by the presence of comedones, pimples, pustules and boils on the dog's chin and lips. More rarely, the muzzle or the auricular pavilions can also be the site of lesions. The condition occurs in young dogs, usually between 3 and 12 months old, and may be accompanied by swelling of the chin and itching.It is often complicated by secondary bacterial infections.
Short-haired dog breeds seem predisposed to it, such as the Dogo Argentino, Boxer, Dobermann, Bulldog, Weimaraner, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Labrador, Shar Pei , or even the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Interdigital furunculosis
Interdigital furunculosis is a furunculosis that affects the dog's feet, and more particularly the skin between his fingers. The latter then appears red and swollen and may have various lesions (nodules, pustules, hemorrhagic bullae). The front legs are often more affected than the hind legs of the dog.
The condition is painful for the dog and can therefore lead to limping and untimely licking which leads to worsening inflammation and increases the risk of bacterial superinfection.
Interdigital furunculosis could be secondary to repeated microtrauma to the skin of the interdigital spaces.For these reasons, dogs that evolve on irritating floors, heavy and/or overweight dogs, working dogs and dogs with support defects are more at risk of developing the condition.
Although all dogs can suffer from it, we also know that certain breeds of dogs are more often affected such as the Bulldog, the Great Dane, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Basset Hound, the Bull Terrier, the Mastiff , Dalmatian, Boxer, Dachshund, German Shorthaired Pointer, Shar Pei, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Pekingese and Labrador.
Pyotraumatic furunculosis
Pyotraumatic furunculosis is an ulcerative process linked to violent itching associated with a bacterial infection. However, we do not know if it is the cause of this itching or if it is the only consequence. It is manifested by the formation of a thick, crusty, swollen and oozing plaque, surrounded by papules and pustules, most often located on the cheek, under the ear or on the side of the dog's neck.It can easily be confused with pyotraumatic dermatitis.
The condition preferentially affects young adult dogs and breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Leonberg, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Saint Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Eosinophilic furunculosis
Eosinophilic furunculosis in dogs is characterized by the sudden appearance of red, very itchy, painful and oedematous nodules, which quickly ulcerate and form scabs, on the dog's face and in particular its muzzle (above above his nose).
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The causes of this condition are still poorly understood, but hypersensitivity to insect bites or contact allergy to plants are currently the most plausible hypotheses.These theories are all the more likely since the lesions most often appear after walking the dog in the forest or in the countryside.
How is furunculosis treated?
The treatment of furunculosis in dogs depends on the type of furunculosis diagnosed by the veterinarian during a dermatology consultation as well as its evolution.
But for most furunculosis, treatment is based on local care using antiseptic shampoos or lotions, and topical and/or general antibiotics.
Eosinophilic furunculosis is treated by administering corticosteroids at anti-inflammatory doses and orally for a few days.
Depending on the type of furunculosis, treatment can be relatively long and relapses are sometimes possible. The condition can sometimes leave scars, more or less visible depending on the location of the boils, on the animal.