Cellulitis refers to a purulent infection of loose connective tissue under the skin and subfascia. The main pathogenic bacteria are hemolytic streptococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria. The disease is often caused by infection after skin or soft tissue damage, spreads rapidly through lymph nodes and bloodstream, and has no obvious boundary with normal tissues. In dogs, it often occurs on the buttocks, thighs, armpits, chest and tail base. Systemic symptoms are obvious.

1. Symptoms

1. Dogs with shallow lesions show local redness, swelling, heat and pain. The central inflammation is particularly obvious and rapidly expands to the periphery, followed by necrosis and erosion of the subcutaneous tissue.

2. Dogs with deeper lesions show less obvious redness and swelling on the skin surface, which often occurs in the cellular tissue under the fascia and between muscles. The tenderness is obvious, and systemic symptoms such as high fever and tremors are obvious.

3. Acute cellulitis occurring under the jaw and neck can cause laryngeal edema and tracheal compression, leading to difficulty breathing and even asphyxia. Sometimes inflammation can spread to the mediastinum.

4. Cellulitis caused by anaerobic bacteria is accompanied by extensive fascial necrosis and progressive skin necrosis. There may be crepitus under the skin, foul odor of pus, and severe systemic symptoms. It often occurs in perineal and abdominal and back wounds.

2. Treatment methods

1. Whole body therapy:

Dogs with mild illness can take Baiyanjing orally, 1 tablet each time, 2 times a day; dogs with more severe illness need intramuscular injection of penicillin, 3-4 times a day, and intramuscular injection of streptomycin, 2 times a day. times; take metronidazole tablets orally, 0.2 to 0.4 grams each time, 3 times a day, or inject metronidazole glucose solution intravenously, 2 times a day.

To prevent acidosis or sepsis, intravenously inject sodium bicarbonate once a day for 3-4 days. Intramuscular injection of vitamin C and vitamin B complex, 1 to 2 times a day. Intravenous infusion of 10% glucose solution, twice a day, to strengthen the heart and replenish fluids.

2. Local treatment:

For dogs suffering from early cellulitis, 50% magnesium sulfate can be used to apply wet and cold compresses to the affected area, and 0.5% to 1% procaine can be used for closed injection around the lesion. When the inflammatory exudate decreases (3 to 4 days after the illness), switch to hot compress.

When there is a lot of local pus and obvious systemic symptoms, multiple incisions should be drained immediately. The incisions should be of a certain length and depth. At the same time, the necrotic fascia and subcutaneous tissue should be removed to reach healthy tissue. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide in the incision. Rinse thoroughly and drain with sterile gauze soaked in sulfadiazine injection. The wound is generally left unsutured or temporarily loosely sutured with 1 to 2 stitches (to prevent the drainage gauze from falling out). Process once every 1 to 2 days.

3. Strengthen care:

Keep the dog's skin clean and hygienic; pay attention to keep the drainage of pus from the incision smooth, and reprocess it immediately if adhesions are found; provide a nutritious diet, but avoid fishy and raw and cold food. You can also feed Xiao Shi Er Kang, 1 tablet a day. Supplements a variety of trace elements and vitamins to promote the recovery of the dog's body.