Efficacy of a topical antimicrobial-anti-inflammatory combination in the treatment of pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs

The efficacy of a topical antimicrobial-corticosteroid combination for the treatment of pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs, was investigated. An open-ended, double-blind, randomized trial design was used. Forty dogs were divided into two vehicle-treated control groups and three treatment groups. The dogs in the respective treatment groups were treated with emulsions of either neomycin, prednisolone or a neomycin-prednisolone combination. Lesions were shaved and cleaned before treatment commenced, whereafter the allocated emulsion was applied twice daily for 7 days. Lesions were evaluated for surface area and degree of pruritus and inflammation. Skin biopsy specimens for bacterial culture and histopathological examination were taken. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated. The antimicrobial-corticosteroid combination emulsion resulted in the quickest recovery, followed by the antimicrobial drug alone. Prednisolone alone gave significantly poorer results. Dogs in all groups, including the control groups, recovered completely within 7 days.