Canine pyoderma gangrenosum: a case series of two dogs.
BACKGROUND
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare disease, which, to the best of the authors' knowledge, has been the subject of only one case report in the peer-reviewed veterinary literature.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the history, clinical signs, diagnostic findings and treatment outcome in two cases of canine PG.


METHODS
Two client-owned dogs presented to a private veterinary referral practice between 2008 and 2010 who received a diagnosis of PG by specialist veterinary dermatologists.


METHODS
Medical records were analysed to retrieve relevant information.


RESULTS
Both dogs were treated with prednisolone; this was combined with ciclosporin in case 1 and azathioprine in case 2. Case 2 had a more complete response of lesions to treatment and a longer survival time after diagnosis (763 days) than case 1 (81 days).


CONCLUSIONS
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare disease distinguished by rapid progression of painful, necrolytic, cutaneous ulcers with irregular, violaceous undermined borders. Azathioprine with glucocorticoids may lead to a better outcome than ciclosporin and glucocorticoids (currently the first-line treatment in humans and the only reported treatment in dogs).
Animal Dermatology Solutions, 26 Fowler Street, Box Hill South, Victoria, 3128, Australia.
Deborah L
DL
Simpson
Gregory G
GG
Burton
Lydia E
LE
Hambrook
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017511:Pyoderma Gangrenosum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D011239:Prednisolone