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Pustules

PustulePustule

A small circumscribed elevation of the epidermis containing pus.

 
Pustules in a dog with superficial pyoderma
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Pustules in a dog with superficial pyoderma, complicating dermodicosis (note also comedones)
 

In dogs, the most important cause of pustular lesions is infection with Staphylococcus intermedius (ie pyoderma).  It could be suggested that pustules on canine skin should be assumed to be staphylococcal in origin until proven otherwise!  However, pustules may be a feature of sterile, immune-mediated diseases (all of which are rare in all veterinary species).  The most important example is pemphigus foliaceus in dogs, cats and horses.

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Skin Lesions
  Introduction
Primary Lesions
  Macules & Patches
  Papules & Plaques
  Nodules
  Tumours & Cysts
  Pustules
  Vesicles & Bullae
  Wheals
  Scales
  Comedones
  Follicular Casts
  Crusts
  Secondary Lesions
  Conclusions
  Quiz
 
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