Bacterial Hypersensitivity
Bacterial hypersensitivity is a rare disease in dogs and occurs when a dog's immune system overreacts to Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria on its skin. When this occurs, the skin reacts dramatically to the presence of Staph.
What are the symptoms of bacterial hypersensitivity?
Bacterial hypersensitivity causes the skin to become very red.
Pustules and large vesicles filled with fluid develop on the skin.
There is severe itching, and many dogs will cause further damage
to their skin through scratching and biting.
It appears that bacterial hypersensitivity in the dog is more likely to occur if other conditions such as hypothyroidism, atopy (allergy to inhaled substances like pollen), or flea allergy dermatitis are present.
How is bacterial hypersensitivity diagnosed?
Bacterial hypersensitivity is diagnosed through bacterial culture
and examination of a biopsy sample. Microscopically there are
certain unique changes in the blood vessels of the skin in bacterial
hypersensitivity. An intradermal allergy test may also
be helpful. In this procedure, a small amount of extract made
from the Staph bacteria is injected in the skin. If this procedure
is done the area will be examined for a reaction 15 minutes, 24
hours and 48 hours after the injection. This method is not as
accurate as the biopsy.
How is bacterial hypersensitivity treated?
It is extremely important to treat the underlying disease such
as hypothyroidism or flea allergy dermatitis. A test is run in
the laboratory to determine which antibiotics are most likely
to kill the Staph and the animal is started on one of those antibiotics.
Some animals may need to be on antibiotics or immune stimulants
long-term to prevent the Staph from multiplying on the skin and
causing the hypersensitivity.
The information on this page was obtained from the site www.peteducation.com