Comparative study of a commercial formula containing natural antimicrobials versus oral cephalexin or topical chlorhexidine-miconazole therapies for treating superficial pyoderma in dogs.

Abstract

Background: Chronic and recurrent pyoderma in dogs is driving a growing interest in natural antimicrobial products that offer minimal adverse effects and avoid antibiotic resistance.

Objectives: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermatological products with antimicrobial peptides and plant extracts, comparing them to chlorhexidine + miconazole and cephalexin therapy for superficial pyoderma in dogs.

Materials and methods: Forty-five dogs with superficial pyoderma underwent clinical, cytopathological and microbiological diagnosis, and were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) treated with shampoo (two weekly baths) and lotion (twice daily on the affected areas) containing natural antimicrobials; Group 2 (G2) treated with two weekly baths using a therapeutic shampoo containing 2% chlorhexidine and 2.5% miconazole; or Group 3 (G3) treated with oral cephalexin 30 mg/kg twice daily. Staphylococcus spp. strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS)/lesion scores were evaluated on Day (D)0, D7, D14, D21 and D28.

Results: Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were noted between D0 and D28 in PVAS values and lesion scores for all groups. G1 had lower PVAS scores than other groups on D7 and D14 (p < 0.05) and lower lesion scores than G3 on D7. By D28, G1 and G3 had lower lesion scores than G2. Notably, G1 and G2 had no adverse effects, while 26% of G3 patients experienced gastrointestinal issues during therapy.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: This preliminary investigation of the new product (G1) suggests that it is effective, safe and a promising topical treatment for managing superficial pyoderma in dogs, offering an alternative to systemic antibiotics and topical antiseptic treatments.