Exploration of Canine Cough Ailment:
When your pup shows up with a swollen mug and discomfort, it's time to play detective. She might've run into trouble with a bee, eaten something dodgy, or is battling fleas or mange. But in rare cases, your dog's strange symptoms could be juvenile cellulitis, also known as puppy strangles.
Puppy strangles is an unpopular name for an uncommon yet alarming skin condition that strikes young dogs, typically under 4 months. The first sign is a sudden puffiness in your pup's muzzle, face, and throat.
If you think your pal's a potential victim, take a deep breath and read on. Here's the lowdown on juvenile cellulitis, including symptoms, vet visits, and treatment options.
What is Puppy Strangles?
Puppy strangles is an inflammatory disorder that thickens your pooch's muzzle and face with swelling and pus-filled bumps, explained Dr. Sheila Torres, a veterinary dermatology specialist at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. A quick call to your vet is essential to rule out this condition. Although not typically life-threatening, immediate veterinary care is necessary to prevent scarring and ensure a proper diagnosis.
Is it Contagious?
Fear not! It's not like fleas or ringworm. While it can't spread from dog to dog, it seems to run in families, meaning it might affect more than one puppy in the same litter.
What Causes Puppy Strangles?
Unfortunately, the exact cause of this condition remains a mystery, but it appears to involve some level of immune system dysfunction. Essentially, your pup's immune system is, ironically, attacking its own skin[2]. Certain breeds are more susceptible, including:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Dachshunds
- Gordon Setters
Signs of Puppy Strangles
"The first sign of juvenile cellulitis is usually sudden swelling of the muzzle and face," says veterinarian Joanna Woodnutt. Within a day or so, your pup's lips, ears, eyelids, and lymph nodes surrounding her neck may also swell up. Soon enough, your pup's face will break out in red, pus-filled bumps that can burst, crust over, and cause scarring.
If left untreated, your pup's lymph nodes could burst, resulting in open wounds and draining sinus tracts. In severe cases, your pup may develop deeper skin lesions and inflammation of fat and joints under the skin.
Look out for these signs:
- Facial swelling
- Enlarged lymph nodes in jaw and neck
- Red, raised, tender bumps on the face, abdomen, paws, vulva, and anus
- Inflamed and fluid-filled skin lesions
- Crusting, painful skin
- Hair loss
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Lack of interest or low mood
- Joint pain and limping
- Signs of ear infection, including redness of the ears and pus in the ears
If you believe your bundle of fur may have juvenile cellulitis, contact your vet without delay.
Diagnosing Juvenile Cellulitis
Your vet will be vigilant for signs of this condition in young dogs, particularly those with sudden facial swelling. However, a thorough checkup will be essential, as other common conditions like severe allergic reactions and parasites may present similarly.
Skin scrapings and fungal cultures can rule out mange and ringworm. In unusual or severe cases, a skin biopsy (a study of a full skin sample) may be required for confirmation[3]. Typically, though, a simple skin sample under a microscope is sufficient to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
Quick and aggressive treatment is key to a full recovery. Immune suppression is the most common approach, with high doses of oral steroids like prednisone or prednisolone[4]. Topical medication, antibiotics, and immunosuppressive agents may also be used, depending on the severity of the condition.
Cost to Treat
Depending on the extent of treatment, costs can range from $300 to $800 or more if a skin biopsy or hospitalization is required.
Prevention
Since the cause remains a mystery, preventing juvenile cellulitis is impossible. But, staying vigilant for symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary attention can help avoid severe complications. Maintaining good overall puppy health and keeping stress levels in check might reduce the risk, although this isn't confirmed.
[1] "Puppy Strangles," VCA Animal Hospitals, 2021. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/juvenile-cellulitis-puppy-strangles
[2] "Puppy Strangles and Juvenile Cellulitis," National Animal Supplement Council, 2021. https://nasc.cc/guides/puppy-strangles-and-juvenile-cellulitis/
[3] Smail, M. A., "Juvenile Pyoderma (Puppy Strangles)," Merck Veterinary Manual, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/juvenile-pyoderma-puppy-strangles
[4] "Treating Puppy Strangles," PetMD, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_puppy_strangles
- Juvenile cellulitis, also known as puppy strangles, is an inflammatory disorder that can thicken a puppy's muzzle and face with swelling and pus-filled bumps.
- The condition, which primarily affects puppies under 4 months, is not typically life-threatening, but immediate veterinary care is essential to prevent scarring and ensure a proper diagnosis.
- It's important to note that while puppy strangles isn't contagious, certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Gordon Setters are more susceptible to this condition. Signs to look for include facial swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, red and painful skin, fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
