Juvenile cellulitis

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Age predisposition, Breed predisposition, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Rosanna Marsella DVM DipACVD
Synonyms Juvenile pyoderma, Puppy strangles, Juvenile sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis

Introduction

  • Primarily affects puppies at 3-16 weeks old.
  • Initially acute swelling of eyelids, lips, muzzle.
  • Papules, fistulae and crusts develop rapidly.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Local form :
    • Eyelid margins swell.
  • Generalized form :
    • Begins on face: eyelids, ears and muzzle swell.
    • Within 24-48 hours: papules and pustules, especially on lips, muzzle, chin, bridge of nose and periocular area.
    • Lesions typically fistulate, drain and crust.
    • Serous to purulent discharge in ears.
    • Submandibular lymphadenopathy +/- rupture due to abscessation.
    • Severe cases: nodular lesions on dorsal trunk.
    • Pyrexia.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis


Facial swelling
  • Angiedema due to insect-bite or reaction to vaccine - resolves within 6-24 hours, no lymphadenopathy or exudation.
Causes of pustules, papules, crusts, discharging sinuses
  • Same as Skin: bacterial disease overview Skin: bacterial skin disease - overview.
Causes of otitis externa
  • See otitis externa Skin: otitis externa.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Good.
  • Recurrence rare - in some cases prolonged immunosuppressive therapy may be necessary.
  • Severe scarring: permanent hair-loss, thickening of muzzle and hyperpigmentation.

Expected response to treatment

  • Brighter, less painful: 24-48 hours.
  • Resolution of lesions: 10-14 days.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Insufficient dose of prednisolone.
  • Failure to treat concurrent pyoderma.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Jeffers J G, Duclos D D & Goldschmitt M H (1995) A dermatosis resembling juvenile cellulitis in the adult dog. JAAHA 31 (3), 204-208.
  • Wisselink M A (1994) German shepherd puppy. Juvenile cellulitis. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 119 (7), 217, 220.
  • Mason I S, Jones J (1989) Juvenile cellulitis in Gordon Setters. Vet Rec 124 , 642.
  • Reiman K A, Evans L E, Turner S et al(1989) Clinicopathologic characterisation of canine juvenile cellulitis. Vet Pathol 26 , 499.
  • Reimann K A, Evans M G, Chalifoux L V, Turner S, DeBoer D J, King N W & Letvin N L (1989) Clinicopathologic characterization of canine juvenile cellulitis. Vet Pathol 26 (6), 499-504.
  • White S D et al(1989) Juvenile cellulitis in dogs 15 cases (1979-1988). JAVMA 195 , 1609.

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