Juvenile Cellulitis in Dogs
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
 
Juvenile cellulitis most commonly occurs in puppies younger than 4 months, presenting as acute skin swelling of the face, particularly the chin, eyelids, and lips. The condition most frequently develops as a result of the bacterial infection (Staphylococcus) or misguided immune reaction against Meibomian gland antigens, which share similarities to some bacterial organisms.  After 24 hours, papules and pustules develop on the skin, followed by crusts, fistulas, alopecia, and cellulitis. Soon, the lesions become moist, purulent, and painful, and swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes appears. There may also be a change in the overall condition; the puppy becomes lethargic, anorexic, and feverish. The breeds most commonly affected are Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Dachshund. Changes in the eyelids can cause qualitative or quantitative dry eye disease.
 
Therapy
 
The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and cytological examination of the affected skin. Therapy involves long-term administration of systemic antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids and allergy medications, and topical immunosuppressive creams (tacrolimus cream). Proper hygiene of pathological skin changes is important. Eye therapy is conducted with lacrimostimulants (tacrolimus or cyclosporine eye drops) and lubricants, to prevent the development of corneal ulcers and the formation of scar tissue due to inadequate tear film.
 
Please contact our specialty veterinary ophthalmology hospital Animal Eye Consultants
of Iowa (animaleyeiowa@gmail.com) in USA or Oculus Veterinary Specialty Hospital
(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
can be seen.