Facts About Puppy Strangles, Cause and Care

As a pet parent, you may not have heard of the term “puppy strangles.” Puppy strangles is something that affects young puppies under four months of age and is also known as puppy cellulitis, according to http://www.petmd.com/dog/. The condition is most often found on the face around the muzzle area, on the outer parts of the ears and the salivary lymph nodes. Strangles rarely ever affects the adult dog.

Dr. Jon at the Pet Place also states that the condition is known as juvenile pyoderma and lymphadenitis. The pustule and crusting dermatitis is not very well understood by researchers and the cause is unknown. Speculation is that the condition is due to an immune dysfunction with inheritable cause. Strangles may cause some swelling around the muzzle area, swollen lymph nodes along with the visible signs of pustule wounds which do begin to drain after a few days, turning into scabs. If your puppy is depressed and you notice any of these signs along with visible signs of joint pain and fever, bring your puppy into the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Any other have to be ruled out before your doctor can treat your puppy for strangles. A type of mange called demodicosis can appear similar in appearance to strangles with much different treatment options, per petplace.com, and a definitive diagnosis needs to be made.

In order to diagnose your dog, the vet will take skin scrapings. The skin scraping will help to rule out the demodicosis. Skin biopsies may be required as well to be sure there are no skin infections. A skin biopsy will be performed under sedation to minimize discomfort for your puppy.

The Pet Place and Pet MD both state that the treatment for your puppy’s strangles will include high doses of steroids such as prednisone. In addition, the puppy will be given antibiotics to treat or prevent any further infection of the sore areas as well as a topical ointment to soothe and ease the pain from the open wounds. In rare cases, chemotherapy may be required but this would be a last choice resort.

Be sure to monitor your dog during treatment in case of any side effects to the steroids and medications. The steroids can cause a gastrointestinal ulcer. Take note if your puppy suddenly does not want to eat, starts vomiting and/or diarrhea. Dark brown or black stool indicates an ulcer. Be sure to treat your dog as specified by your veterinarian. There are no known relapses of the strangles once your puppy completes the treatment and therapy plan. However, scarring is probable.

It is not common for your puppy to have strangles but something for you to be aware of if it should happen. The condition is not considered life threatening and a visit with your own doctor can put your mind at ease as to the actual health and condition of your sweet little bundle of fur.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/puppy-strangles/page1.aspx

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_puppy_strangles


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