Diagnosis of cellulitis can be made through clinical signs, but isolation of the etiological agent is made through bacterial culture. Ultrasound can help locate the limits of cellulitis in the deeper tissues. Treatment involves systemic antibiotics, NSAID’s, cold hydrotherapy, pressure bandaging and controlled exercise. Removal of the feathers and proper management of the opened pustules may also be necessary. Prognosis is good with immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Cellulitis can be persistent or reoccurring which can make it difficult to treat. If cellulitis results in scaring it could affect the function of the lymphatic system of the area affected. It could also lead to complications such as necrosis of the skin, thrombosis and laminitis. Prevention of cellulitis involves proper cleaning and drying of the legs and feathers on a regular basis as well as regular exercise.
Dermatophilosis
Dermatophilosis is commonly called “rain rot” or “rain scald”.
It is
skin infection caused by the G+ Dermatophilus congolensis .
Isolation of affected individuals is important as the infection is transmitted through direct contact, fomites and biting insects. This bacteria forms zoospore that produce hyphae that grow into the epidermis in areas where there is pre-existing damage to the epidermal layer. Once the bacteria have infiltrated the damaged area, they cause inflammation and spread through the growth of hyphae to undamaged areas nearby. Dermatophilosis is generally seen in warm, wet weather, as is seen in spring and summer, and in moist and warm areas of the body. Occasionally dermatophilosis can present in winter months in horses that are blanketed in non-breathable materials while wet. Clinically dermatophilosis is seen as matting of the haircoat, alopecia, crust, scabs, pruritus and characteristic lesions that are essentially tufts of hair embedded in crust that pull out of the skin easily.
Diagnosis can be made through clinical signs and bacterial culture.
Treatment involves the removal of scabs with a betadine or chlorhexidine scrub, then the topical application of antibiotic ointment. If the infection is severe systemic antibiotics may be required. Some individuals may be more prone to infection and may show seasonal reoccurrence of clinical signs. While they are asymptomatic, such individuals may be sub-clinical . The lesions may regress on their own in dry weather.
Prevention is to isolate infected individuals to reduce transmission and good hygiene.
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