Feline Pyoderma Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Pyoderma (literally "pus in the skin") refers to bacterial skin infections in cats. While historically considered uncommon in felines compared to dogs, recent evidence suggests feline pyoderma may be significantly underdiagnosed. A French study diagnosed pyoderma in 4.7% of feline dermatology cases, and it was identified as the fifth most common dermatological disorder in cats presenting to general practice.

Feline pyoderma is almost always a secondary condition, occurring when an underlying disease compromises the skin's natural barrier function. The most common primary triggers include allergic skin diseases (flea allergy, atopic dermatitis, food allergy), parasitic infestations, feline chin acne, and immunosuppressive conditions such as FIV or FeLV infection.

Etiology and Microbiology

Normal Feline Skin Microflora

Understanding the normal cutaneous microbiome is essential for interpreting diagnostic results. Resident bacteria in feline skin include Acinetobacter spp., Micrococcus spp., coagulase-negative staphylococci, and alpha-hemolytic streptococci. Transient bacteria include Alcaligenes spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas spp., and both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci.