Veterinary Dermatology 2004, 15, 369 376

Blackwell Publishing, Ltd.

A prospective study of the clinical findings, treatment and

histopathology of 44 cases of pyotraumatic dermatitis
BIRGIT R. HOLM*, JOAN R. REST and WOLFGANG SEEWALD
*Department of Dermatology, Bl Stjrnan Small Animal Hospital, Gjutjrnsgatan 4,
SE-417 07 Gothenburg, Sweden
24 Lower End, Swaffham Prior, Cambridge CB5 0HT, UK
Novartis Animal Health Inc., CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
(Received 20 October 2003; accepted 29 June 2004)

Abstract Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot) is a common clinical syndrome in dogs but there are few prospective
scientific studies related to it. The aim of this study was to investigate correlations among clinical pyotraumatic
dermatitis, histopathology of the lesions and possible predisposing causes. The relationship of these with breed,
age, sex and location of lesion was assessed statistically. A clinical diagnosis of acute pyotraumatic dermatitis was
made in 44 privately owned dogs. Males exceeded females (P = 0.0348) and lesions were more common in dogs
aged 4 years or less (P < 0.0001). Lesions were most often seen on the cheek, neck and lateral thigh with a
significant correlation between breed and site of lesion (P < 0.0001). In 31 cases a possible underlying cause was
found or suspected. In contrast to previous studies, no otitis externa was recorded and the study was conducted
in an area without endemic fleas. Fourteen breeds were represented of which Rottweiler, German shepherd dog
and golden retriever were most common. There was no significant seasonal incidence and no correlation among
site of lesion and cause, time of year, age or sex. Histopathologically, the dogs could be separated into four patterns
by the presence or absence of eosinophils and/or folliculitis. Eosinophils have not previously been recorded in
pyotraumatic dermatitis but were seen in 29 cases. Acute folliculitis was seen in 20 cases. However, no correlation
was seen among age, sex, breed, underlying cause or site of lesion and histopathology. Twenty-seven cases were
cultured for bacteria of which 25 grew Staphylococcus intermedius and two were negative.
Keywords: breed, histopathology, hot spot, pyotraumatic dermatitis, sex, site.

IN TRO D U CT I ON
Pyotraumatic dermatitis, also called acute moist dermatitis or hot spot, is defined as an acute and rapidly
developing surface bacterial skin infection secondary
to self-inflicted trauma.14 It is a common clinical syndrome in the dog but there are only two papers describing the histopathology5,6 and minimal other refereed
literature on possible causes and results of bacterial
culture. An abundance of underlying causes capable of
starting an itchscratch cycle have been suggested
including ectoparasites (flea bite hypersensitivity, lice
and ticks), allergic skin diseases, anal sac problems,
otitis externa, foreign bodies in the coat, irritant
substances on the skin, dirty unkempt coat, poor
grooming and musculoskeletal disorders.14,7
Animals particularly predisposed to this problem are
those with a heavy pelage and dense undercoat, such
as golden and Labrador retrievers, collies, German
shepherd dogs and St Bernards.15 The problem is said
to be much more common in hot, humid weather and
may be related to lack of ventilation in the coat.13

Correspondence: B. R. Holm, Department of Dermatology, Bl

Stjrnan Small Animal Hospital, Gjutjrnsgatan 4, SE-417 07
Gothenburg, Sweden. E-mail: birgit.holm@blastjarnan.se
2004 European Society of Veterinary Dermatology

Treatments recommended for the condition have

included antibiotics and corticosteroids locally or
systemically in conjunction with shampoos or drying
solutions independent of cause.14,6
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there
were any correlations among histopathology of pyotraumatic dermatitis, breed, age, sex, location of lesion
and possible predisposing causes. Bacterial cultures were
performed to find the most appropriate antibiotics to
use in cases of infection. As pyotraumatic dermatitis is
impossible to distinguish clinically from pyotraumatic
folliculitis, defined as deep suppurative and necrotizing
folliculitis,1 both forms were included in this study.

M AT E R IA L S A N D M E T H O D S
Dogs
The study was conducted at the Bl Stjrnan Small
Animal Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. All dogs
with a clinical diagnosis of pyotraumatic dermatitis
seen between October 1995 and October 1997 were
included in the study. All were first opinion cases and
the diagnosis was based on clinical examination in
conjunction with a history of acute onset of disease.
Clinical lesions were well-circumscribed areas of moist,
matted hair, glued together with exudate.
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BR Holm et al.

Diagnostic work up

Statistics

Initial clinical evaluation of all dogs included visual

examination of mucous membranes, otoscopic examination of ears, palpation of anal sacs and lymph nodes
and recording of rectal temperature. The skin was
thoroughly examined for primary lesions and parasites.
Lice were diagnosed by finding adults or eggs and
Sarcoptes by skin scrapings. Other laboratory tests were
performed only if clinical signs warranted. If clinical
and biopsy findings suggested allergy and there was
relapse or continuing pruritus after pyotraumatic
dermatitis was cured, further investigations included
intradermal skin testing. A diagnosis of underlying
atopic dermatitis was based on history, clinical signs,
positive intradermal skin test and after exclusion of
ectoparasites, Malassezia overgrowth, food intolerance
(by 8-week elimination diet) and pyoderma.

Variables assumed to be continuously distributed are

reported as mean values. Single binary variables such as
sex and season were compared with a binomial distribution8 with probability 0.5. For statistical evaluation of
several variables the CochranMantelHaenszel correlation test9 and the KruskalWallis test10 were used. P-values
0.05 were considered significant. The software package v. 8.2 was used for calculations.
Comparisons were made with the total hospital
population during the same time as this study. This
comprised 7682 males and 7706 females. The relative
risk was calculated for breeds represented in the hospital population by 100 dogs or more during the time of
this study and comprised 108 Leonbergers, 120 Newfoundlands, 216 Cairn terriers, 255 Bernese mountain
dogs, 289 flat-coated retrievers, 514 Rottweilers, 845
Labrador retrievers, 1063 golden retrievers, 1571 German shepherd dogs and 2570 cross-breeds.

Sample taking
Dogs were anaesthetized using intravenous propofol
at a dose of 6.5 mg/kg (Propofol Abbott, Abbott
Scandinavia AB, Solna, Sweden). The lesional area
was extensively clipped, to make cleaning easier and
to minimize the risk of surrounding hair sticking to
the inflamed area. The exposed skin showed erythema,
erosions, ulcerations, papules and pustules. Whenever
possible, biopsies for histopathology were taken from
papules or pustules but otherwise from nonulcerated
areas. Routinely three 6-mm punch samples were taken.
Biopsies were fixed in 10% formalin, processed routinely, embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned at a
single level. Multiple haematoxylin and eosin-stained
sections were examined.
Samples for bacterial culture were taken by dipping
a sterile swab (Culturette mini, Swevet-Piab AB,
Helsingborg, Sweden) into one of the biopsy holes in
order to acquire a sample from the deep skin. The swab
was put into transport medium and sent to the Analycen Laboratory, Lidkping, Sweden for culturing.
Sensitivity was determined against penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, spiramycin, clindamycin, fucidin,
tetracycline, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim
sulpha and enrofloxacin. Sample taking for culture was
restricted to the initial 27 cases due to cost.

R E S U LT S
Signalments of affected dogs
A clinical diagnosis of pyotraumatic dermatitis was
made in 44 privately owned dogs. Twenty-nine dogs
were males (one neutered) and 15 were females (two
spayed). The age range was 111 years (mean 4.07
2.56 years) and lesions were more commonly seen in
young dogs, less than 4 years of age. Fourteen breeds
were represented. The most common breeds by incidence were Rottweiler (10 cases), German shepherd
dog (eight cases) and golden retriever (eight cases) but
compared with the hospital population Rottweiler,
Leonberger, Newfoundland, Bernese mountain dog and
golden retriever were the most common with relative risks
of 3.38, 1.61, 1.45, 1.36 and 1.31, respectively (Fig. 1).

Seasonality
There was no significant difference in the number of
cases with respect to time of year as 25 cases showed

Treatment
The dogs were discharged after recovery from anaesthesia. If practically possible, an Elizabethan collar, Tshirt or socks were used to prevent the dog from licking
and scratching. The owner was instructed to wash the
affected area once or twice daily with lukewarm saline
solution, lightly towel dry the area and apply an astringent solution such as aluminium acetate or boric acid.
No creams or ointments were allowed. All dogs were
given cephalexin 20 mg/kg twice daily (Keflex, Eli Lilly
Sweden AB, Stockholm, Sweden) for 3 weeks. If ectoparasites were demonstrated or strongly suspected,
organic phosphor dips (Sebacil, Bayer AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) were used twice for lice 2 weeks apart,
or three times at weekly intervals for sarcoptic mange.

Figure 1. Relative risk of pyotraumatic dermatitis in breeds

compared with hospital population.

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371

Site of lesion

cheek
lat thigh
neck
lower back
flank
0

10

15

20

25

Number of dogs
Figure 2. Sites of lesions in 44 dogs diagnosed with acute
pyotraumatic dermatitis.

onset of disease during summer (April to September)

and 19 during winter (October to March) (P = 0.3657
for comparison with binomial distribution with probability 0.5). In breeds such as the German shepherd
dog, golden retriever and Rottweiler, represented by
eight or more individuals each, the cases were equally
distributed throughout the year.

Lesions and underlying causes

Only a single lesion was seen in each dog, with two
thirds having a lesion on the cheek or neck and one
third having a lesion on the lateral thigh or rump
(Fig. 2). All lesions were acute and observed by the
owner within the previous 72 h. The clinical appearance
was that of a single, well-demarcated area of sticky coat
320 cm in diameter. The skin was traumatized with
erythema, exudate and matted hair (Fig. 3a). After
clipping the area, erosions, excoriations, ulcerations
and peripheral erythematous papules or maculae were
seen (Fig. 3b). In most cases the affected area was painful to touch. After clipping, 12 cases were defined clinically as a superficial dermatitis with no surrounding
pustules or papules (satellite lesions). Four of these
cases were later defined by histopathology as deep pyodermas, with folliculitis and furunculosis (see below).
In 32 cases, clipping revealed satellite lesions outside
the primary lesion and these were clinically categorized as folliculitis, though follicular involvement was
confirmed by histopathology in only 50% (16/32).
In seven cases, widespread pustules were also seen
on the lateral and ventral thorax and legs. This was
noticed in two cross-breeds with atopic dermatitis, a
Rottweiler with lice, a German shepherd dog and a
golden retriever with sarcoptic mange and in two dogs
(a chow chow and a Newfoundland) where no underlying cause was demonstrated.
All rottweilers had lesions on the head (cheek, neck)
and all German shepherd dogs showed lesions of the
rump (hip and lateral thigh). There was a clear correlation between breed and site of lesion (P < 0.0001
CochranMantelHaenszel test), but no correlation
between age, sex, underlying cause or season of the
year and site of lesion (P = 0.0526, 0.2274, 0.9358 and
0.3120, respectively, CochranMantelHaenszel test).
Compared with the hospital population, young dogs

Figure 3. One-year-old dog with severe, painful pyotraumatic

dermatitis of 1 days duration before (a) and after (b) clipping.

(< 4 years of age) were more prone to pyotraumatic

dermatitis than older dogs (P < 0.0001, Cochran
MantelHaenszel test) as were males compared with
females (P = 0.0348, comparison with binomial distribution with probability 0.5).
In 31 dogs (70%) a possible underlying cause was
found or strongly suspected. Ten dogs had bloodsucking
lice (Linognathus setosus), the only type of lice found in
this area, two dogs had infestations with Sarcoptes scabiei,
seven dogs were later diagnosed with atopic dermatitis,
two dogs suffered from hip dysplasia, one had pressure
point pyoderma and one dog had a suspected drug
reaction. In seven cases the owner and the investigator
were convinced that the underlying cause was a dense
coat in combination with heat and/or wetting and in
one case ticks were suspected but not demonstrated.
In 12 dogs, pyotraumatic dermatitis occurred on the
same part of the body the following year. In four cases,
the relapses coincided with outdoor bathing in the
summer (one Newfoundland, one German shepherd
dog, one Labrador retriever and one Labrador retriever
cross). Three cases (one German shepherd dog and two
Rottweilers) relapsed every autumn. One cross-breed
dog relapsed in summer when bitten by ticks. Four
dogs relapsed in the winter. Two of these (a Bernese
mountain dog and a Danish Swedish farm dog) were
being treated with corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis
at the time of relapse. In the other two cases (a golden
retriever and a German shepherd dog), the dense winter
coat was thought to be a factor.

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BR Holm et al.

Figure 4. Histopathology type 1: acute superficial lesion with

exocytosis of neutrophils, early necrosis of epithelium and oedema of
the upper dermis with neutrophilic infiltrates. H&E 100.

Figure 5. Histopathology type 2: acute superficial lesion with

oedema of the upper dermis with neutrophilic and eosinophilic
infiltrates and collagen degeneration H&E 400.

Histopathology
Biopsies from all dogs showed superficial dermal
inflammation. The superficial lesions comprised predominately necrosis or ulceration of the epidermis with
superficial dermal oedema and neutrophilic infiltrates.
Crusts containing bacterial cocci were seen in 18 cases
and a few subcorneal neutrophilic pustules were noted.
Eighteen dogs (41%) without folliculitis had eosinophils in the upper dermis with occasional intraepithelial
subcorneal eosinophilic pustules. Twenty dogs (45%)
also had folliculitis and/or furunculosis in at least one
of the biopsies. In 11 dogs (25%) with folliculitis, eosinophils were noted, although only few eosinophils were
seen in four of these cases.
In order to test the hypothesis that histopathological
patterns might be related to other parameters, lesions
were divided into four groups based on the predominant pattern that was observed in the sections from each
dog (Figs 47):
1 Acute superficial lesions with necrosis or ulceration of the epithelium and oedema of the upper
dermis with neutrophilic infiltrates (6 dogs).
2 Acute superficial lesions with necrosis or ulceration
of the epithelium and oedema of the upper dermis
with neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltrates (18 dogs).
3 Lesions as above with folliculitis and/or furunculosis but without substantial eosinophilic infiltrates
(13 dogs).

Figure 6. Histopathology type 3: luminal folliculitis without

significant eosinophilic infiltrates. H&E 100.

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373

and ampicillin, 32% (8/25) were resistant to erythromycin,

spiramycin and clindamycin and 32% (8/25) to tetracycline. One culture showed multiple resistance to all
antibiotics included in the test except for fucidin, trimethoprim sulpha and enrofloxacin. As this lesion did
not heal with cephalexin, enrofloxacin was required for
treatment.

Treatment
All lesions were cleaned and treated with astringents
and dogs received systemic cephalexin. In every case, the
pyotraumatic dermatitis had improved when the dogs
returned to the surgery 710 days later. In five cases, there
was persistence of pruritus so oral prednisolone at
0.5 mg/kg for 3 days, 0.3 mg/kg for 10 days and 0.3 mg/
kg every other day for another 10 days was administered in conjunction with the antibiotic. Subsequently,
these dogs were diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis.

D IS C U S S IO N

Figure 7. Histopathology type 4: luminal and mural folliculitis and

furunculosis with eosinophilic infiltrates. H&E 100.

4 Lesions as above with eosinophilic folliculitis and/

or furunculosis with substantial eosinophilic infiltrates (7 dogs).
All four histopathological patterns were seen at all
ages, in both sexes and all lesional sites. They were all
associated with all primary diagnoses or breeds represented by at least four dogs. Eosinophilic infiltration of
the skin was seen in four of seven atopic dogs, in eight
of ten dogs with lice and in one of two dogs with
Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. No correlation was
seen among age, sex, breed, underlying cause or site of
lesion and histopathology comparing the four groups
mentioned above (P = 0.1932, 0.3654, 0.6316, 0.7881
and 0.7493, respectively, CochranMantelHaenszel
and KruskalWallis tests). Similar results were obtained
comparing cases with folliculitis (groups 3 and 4) and
those without folliculitis (groups 1 and 2) with age, sex,
breed, underlying cause and site of lesion (P = 0.3994,
0.9086, 0.6515, 0.2386, 0.8050, respectively, Cochran
MantelHaenszel test) or comparing cases with eosinophils (groups 2 and 4) and cases without eosinophils
(groups 1 and 3) (P = 0.7671, 0.3484, 0.8040, 0.5231,
0.7658, respectively. CochranMantelHaenszel test).

Bacterial culture
From the 27 samples submitted for bacterial culture,
93% (25/27) grew Staphylococcus intermedius. In two
cases no growth was obtained. Eighty-eight per cent
(22/25) of the staphylococci were resistant to penicillin

As pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot) is a self-inflicted

disease, investigation for underlying causes of pruritus
is important. Ectoparasites are known to cause pruritus. Fleas are common all over the world and are mentioned by many authors1,4,6 as the most important
predisposing factor for pyotraumatic dermatitis. Fleas
are not endemic in the district where this study was performed and the most common local ectoparasites are
Linognathus setosus, ticks and Sarcoptes scabiei. Parasites were demonstrated in 10 cases (eight with lice and
two with Sarcoptes scabiei) and lice were strongly suspected in another two cases, where small crusts on the
forehead suggested sucking areas. Lice are most often
found around the ears and in the groin and commonly
cause pruritus around the head. Lice-associated lesions
of pyotraumatic dermatitis could be found on the
cheek and neck as well as the rump and lateral thigh.
Pruritus induced by scabies often affects the earflaps,
elbows, hocks and lateral/ventral thorax and mites are
usually found in scrapings from these sites. However, in
the two cases in this study, one dog had a pyotraumatic
lesion on the cheek and the other on the lateral thigh.
Ticks, most commonly seen around the head, seem to
cause pruritus especially if the tick head remains in the
skin after scratching or manual removal. Ticks were
not demonstrated in this study but were strongly suspected in one case.
Contact irritation, such as that caused by seeds,
chaffs or burdocks, is mentioned in the literature1,3 as
able to cause pyotraumatic dermatitis but no foreign
bodies were found in this study. However, the dogs
could have removed them prior to the visit to the clinic.
No adverse reactions to spot-on preparations were
suspected and no such reports were registered at the
Swedish Medical Product Agency, SE-751 25 Uppsala,
Sweden. Contact is recognized as a significant route for
allergen challenge in canine atopic dermatitis.11 Seven
dogs in this study were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

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BR Holm et al.

No breed predilection could be established because of

the low number of dogs. In allergic dogs predisposing
factors for developing pyotraumatic dermatitis may be
the presence of higher numbers of bacteria on their
skin surface, higher humidity due to increased sweating
and higher temperature due to inflammation.7,12
Although textbooks2,3 mention predisposing factors
of otitis and anal sac inflammation, these were not
found in this study. This also contrasts with the study
of 40 dogs by Schroeder et al.6 in which otitis was
found to be the most common cause of pyotraumatic
dermatitis of the head.
Many authors suggest that dogs with dense coats are
prone to develop pyotraumatic dermatitis24 and this
was confirmed in this study. In breeds with a dense
coat, increased temperature and slow drying of the
coat after bathing make the skin surface favourable for
bacterial colonization. Bacteria and their toxins, which
could act as superantigens as in man, could be responsible for the inflammation seen clinically and on histopathology.13 It has been proposed that hot, humid
weather is a predisposing factor.13 In this study, no significant difference in the number of cases presenting at
different times of year was noted.
The most common breed in this study was the Rottweiler although this predilection has not been mentioned in other studies. Breeds including the German
shepherd dog, golden retriever, Newfoundland and
Labrador retriever in this study correspond with previous reports,1,5 but collies and St Bernards reported in
the above references were not seen. There was a statistically significant correlation between breed and site.
All lesions in Rottweilers were on the cheek and neck,
which could be due to their extremely heavy pelage in
this area. This may also explain the distribution of
lesions in German shepherd dogs, as their coat is frequently thickest on the rump and thighs. As in previous
studies,1,5 pyotraumatic dermatitis was significantly
more common in dogs aged less than 4 years. The high
incidence in male dogs, particularly younger dogs, may
correlate with coat thickness and hormonal effects on
skin secretions and infection14 or indicate a temperamental tendency to scratching and self-trauma.
The results of this study suggest that it is impossible
from the clinical picture to determine what is folliculitis
or not, as four of our cases of apparently superficial
dermatitis had histological evidence of folliculitis, and
of those cases presented with satellite lesions, 50% had
nonfollicular pustules. Forty-five per cent (20/44) of
cases showed superficial and/or deep folliculitis, which
correlates with Reinke et al.5 where folliculitis was
observed in 9/17 dogs (53%). Schroeder et al.6 do not
mention folliculitis but the histopathological data in
their study only assessed superficial lesions of epidermal and dermal necrosis. The high proportion of cases
with folliculitis may be explained because papules and
pustules were preferentially selected for biopsy. Neutrophilic folliculitis may be secondary to prolonged or
severe scratching and biting at the site as suggested by
Reinke et al.5 Rarely were there signs of chronic folliculitis

and furunculosis. All biopsies were taken within 72 h

of onset of clinical signs but further studies comparing
lesions of less than 24 h with those of more than 48 h
duration may clarify whether the folliculitis is a timerelated effect. This could be a difficult study to perform
as owners often wait for a day or two before presentation at the clinic. In this study only one case was presented within 4 h of the lesion appearing.
Histologically, most cases had superficial bacterial
infection but some had marked eosinophilic infiltrates,
a feature not previously recorded. Hypersensitivity may
be the primary cause in many cases with secondary
bacterial infection but infiltrates of eosinophils could
not be correlated with underlying causes, probably
because most primary causes are known to have variations in eosinophil numbers. Atopic dermatitis is usually associated with low numbers of eosinophils15 and
sarcoptic mange is predominantly lympho-histiocytic
with eosinophils only common in fully developed
lesions immediately beneath mites.16 It is more surprising that not all the dogs with lice infestations had eosinophilic responses. However, in many dermatological
conditions, immunological techniques can demonstrate
extensive deposition of eosinophil granule proteins in
tissue devoid of intense eosinophilic infiltrates.17 Marked
neutrophilic infiltrates and spongiosis are associated
with pro-inflammatory mediators which could also
induce rapid degranulation of eosinophils.
In this study, seven dogs had eosinophilic folliculitis.
This was not due solely to rupture of follicles as luminal folliculitis of unruptured follicles was also noted.
This syndrome of eosinophilic furunculosis has been
suggested as more common in young male dogs,18
possibly influencing the age distribution seen in the
study. Eosinophilic furunculosis is also said to be due
to insect or arachnid bites and stings at lesional sites
but this is unlikely to be the local cause of pyotraumatic
dermatitis that occurs in densely haired areas.
Eighty-eight per cent of the staphylococci isolated
were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin confirming
earlier studies that these antibiotics are not appropriate
for treating pyoderma.1921 An appropriate choice is
cephalosporin,1921 which was used in this study in all
cases except one, which was resistant to cephalexin.
Treatment of the acutely affected area by clipping and
daily cleaning, application of astringents and prevention of further self-trauma by the dog made topical
or systemic glucocorticoids unnecessary in almost all
cases. To prevent relapses, clipping the whole body,
especially during the summer or thinning dense areas
of coat on the head, neck and rump were suggested.

AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T S
The authors would like to thank Dr Danny W. Scott
(Cornell University, NY) for his suggestion of this
study as well as constructive criticism of the manuscript. This study was partially supported by Agria
Insurance Company, Stockholm, Sweden.

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Rsum La dermatite pyotraumatique (hot spot) est une maladie frquente chez le chien, mais il existe peu
dtudes prospectives relatives cette dermatose. Le but de cette tude tait dvaluer des corrlations entre les
lsions cliniques de dermatite pyotraumatique, lhistopathologie des lsions et les causes prdisposantes. Ces relations ont t values statistiquement en fonction de lge, de la race, du sexe et de la localisation lsionnelle. Un
diagnostic clinique de dermatite pyotraumatique a t ralis chez 44 chiens. Une prdisposition des mles a t
note (P = 0.0348), ainsi que pour les chiens gs de moins de quatre ans (P < 0.0001). Les lsions taient plus
frquentes sur la joue, le cou et la face latrale des cuisses, avec une corrlation significative entre la race et la
localisation de la lsion (P < 0.0001). Dans 31 cas, une cause sous-jacente a t diagnostique ou suspecte. En
contraste avec les tudes prcdentes, aucune otite externe na t retrouve, et ltude a t ralise dans une zone
sans puces. Quatorze races taient reprsentes, parmi lesquelles les Rottweiler, les Berger allemand et les Golden
retriever taient les plus reprsents. Aucune corrlation na t observe entre lapparition des lsions et la saison,
la localisation des lsions et la cause sous-jacente, le moment de lanne, lge ou le sexe. Sur un plan histopathologique,
les chiens ont pu tre spars en 4 groupes en fonction de la prsence ou de labsence dosinophiles, et/ou dune
folliculite. La prsence dosinophiles navait pas prcdemment t rapporte dans les lsions de dermatite pyotraumatique, mais a t retrouve ici dans 29 cas. Une folliculite aige a t observe dans 20 cas. Cependant,
aucune corrlation na t observe entre lge, le sexe, la race, la cause sous-jacente ou la localisation de la lsion
et laspect histopathologique. Dans 27 cas un examen bactriologique a t ralis, avec prsence de Staphylococcus
intermedius dans 25 cas et absence de pousse dans deux cas.
Resumen La dermatitis piotraumtica (hot spot) es un sndrome clnico frecuente en perros, pero son pocos los
estudios cientficos prospectivos existentes sobre este tema. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las correlaciones entre la dermatitis piotraumtica, la histopatologa de las lesiones y las posibles causas predisponentes.
La relacin entre estas caractersticas con la raza, la edad, el sexo y la localizacin de las lesiones fue estudiada
estadsticamente. Se realiz un diagnstico clnico de dermatitis piotraumtica aguda en 44 perros con propietario privado. Los machos superaban las hembras (P = 0.0348) y las lesiones fueron ms frecuentes en perros de
cuatro o menos aos (P < 0.0001). Las lesiones se observaron con mayor frecuencia en el carrillo, el cuello y el
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muslo lateral, con una correlacin significativa entre la edad y la localizacin de la lesin (P < 0.0001). En 31
casos se sospech o se hall una causa subyacente. En contraste con estudios previos, no se detect ninguna otitis
externa y el estudio se llev a cabo en una zona libre de pulgas endmicas. Se vieron representadas catorce razas,
con ms frecuencia en el caso de Rottweiler, perro Pastor Alemn y Golden retriever. No exista una incidencia
estacional significativa y no exista correlacin entre la localizacin de la lesin y la causa, momento del ao,
edad o sexo. Histopatolgicamente, los perros pudieron separarse en cuatro patrones por la presencia o ausencia
de eosinficos y/o foliculitis. Los eosinfilos no se haban registrado hasta el momento en la dermatitis
piotraumtica, pero se observaron en 29 casos. Se observ foliculitis aguda en 20 casos. Sin embargo, no se observ
correlacin entre edad, sexo, raza, causa subyacente o localizacin de la lesin e histopatologa. Se realizaron
cultivos bacterianos en veintisiete casos, y creci Staphylococcus intermedius en 25 casos, mientras que dos fueron
negativos.
Zusammenfassung Pyotraumatische Dermatitis (hot spot) ist ein hufiges klinisches Syndrom bei Hunden,
jedoch gibt es nur wenige prospektive wissenschaftliche diesbezgliche Studien. Das Ziel dieser Studie war
es, Zusammenhnge zwischen klinischer pyotraumatischer Dermatitis, Histopathologie der Lsionen und
mglichen prdisponierenden Ursachen zu untersuchen. Die Beziehung dieser mit Rasse, Alter, Geschlecht und
Lokalisation der Lsionen wurde statistisch bewertet. Die klinische Diagnose akuter pyotraumatischer Dermatitis wurde bei 44 in Privatbesitz befindlichen Hunden gestellt. Mnnliche Tiere bertrafen weibliche (P = 0.0348)
und Lsionen waren hufiger bei Hunden in einem Alter von 4 Jahren und weniger (P < 0.0001). Lsionen wurden
am hufigsten an Wangen, Hals, lateralen Oberschenkeln beobachtet mit einer signifikanten Korrelation
zwischen Rasse und Ort der Lsion (P < 0.0001). In 31 Fllen wurde eine mgliche zugrunde liegende Ursache
gefunden oder vermutet. In Gegensatz zu frheren Studien wurde kein Fall von Otitis externa beschrieben und
die Studie wurde in einer Region ohne endemische Flhe durchgefhrt. Vierzehn Rassen waren vertreten, wobei
Rottweiler, Deutscher Schferhund und Golden Retriever am hufigsten vorkamen. Es gab keine signifikante
saisonale Inzidenz und keine Korrelation zwischen Ort der Lsion und Ursache, Jahreszeit, Alter und Geschlecht.
Histologisch konnten die Hunde aufgrund des Vorhandenseins oder der Abwesenheit von Eosinophilen und/oder
Follikulitis in vier Muster eingeteilt werden. Eosinophile sind bis dahin bei pyotraumatischer Dermatitis nicht
beschrieben worden, wurden aber bei 29 Fllen beobachtet. Akute Follikulitis wurde bei 20 Fllen gesehen. Es
wurde jedoch keine Korrelation zwischen Alter, Geschlecht, Rasse, zugrunde liegender Ursache und Ort der
Lsion und Histopathologie festgestellt. In siebenundzwanzig Fllen wurden Bakterienkulturen angelegt, auf
25 von diesen wuchs Staphylococcus intermedius und zwei waren negativ.

2004 European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Dermatology, 15, 369 376