What is pyoderma?
Pyoderma is defined as a bacterial skin infection. Pyoderma may also be referred to as impetigo, especially in young puppies.
What are the clinical signs of pyoderma?
signs include
Pyoderma in cats is less common, but typically shows up as
Rash and redness on the skin
Scaling and crusting of the skin- rough, dry patches on your cat's coat
Crusted and eroded papules- small, raised bumps
Itching and Hair loss
Foul odor goes hand-in-hand with pyoderma
Conventional Treatment
Antibiotics for 3-6 weeks, (Cephalexin)
topical antibacterial shampoo (ie chlorhexidine)
Alternative Options
Homemade Shampoo
-1 cup of black/green tea
2 tablespoons ACV
40 drops of Tea Tree Oil (not for cats)
2 tablespoons of Castile Soap
Honey
It has some well documented antibacterial properties, especially in relation to pyoderma. It can be applied topically, as well as given orally at doses of 1/2 teaspoon/10lbs twice daily.
Dark, unpasteurized honey is best.
Propolis.
Also known as Bee Glue as it reinforces the bee hive, and it has studies showing it to be particularly helpful for the bacteria causing skin infection. It can be sprayed on topically, as well as given orally.
It's very safe, and really a great product for you to consider. Plus you can spray it on topically and it's not all sticky like honey.
I have used the oral capsules with good success.
Oral doses of 100mg/10lbs daily.
Coconut Oil
It Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms.
This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis and athlete’s foot, are caused by bacteria or fungi.
Applying coconut oil directly to the skin may prevent the growth of these microorganisms. This is due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and can fight harmful microorganisms.
One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acids against 20 different strains of bacteria. Lauric acid was found to be the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria.
Tula does get a recurring infection in one nostril, and I have found that topical coconut oil is the most effective way to treat it.
Olive Leaf Extract
An important olive leaf benefit is its ability to fight off infections, including candida infections, meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea, shingles and tuberculosis. It also naturally treats ear, dental and urinary tract infections.
A study done in 2003 proved that olive leave extracts have an antimicrobial effect against bacteria and fungi. This suggests that olive leaf works as a natural antibiotic, due to it’s ability to fight some bacterial infections.
In the study, the olive leaf extracts killed almost all bacteria tested, including dermatophytes (causing infections on the skin, hair and nails), candida albicans (an agent of oral and genital infections) and Escherichia coli cells (bacteria found in the lower intestine).
Doses- these are the published ‘human’ doses
Olive leaf capsules: Olive leaf extract is also available in capsule and soft gel forms. Capsules can be taken to support immune function and provide powerful antioxidants. Capsules can also be taken to promote cardiovascular health. The standard olive leaf extract dose ranges from 500-1,000 milligrams daily. It’s best to divide your daily dosage into 2-3 smaller doses and take it with a meal or snack.
Dog and Cat Doses
Dose range of 1mg-5 mg/lb twice daily
Start at the lower end, and up, assuming no vomiting/diarrhea
I would use this as a ‘new’ antiviral, and as a ‘natural’ antibiotic
For example I would consider using this on my dog/cat with a skin, bladder infection, or even kennel cough.
Quercetin
Yes the impressive flavonoid found in apple peel is also being studied for its antibacterial activity. Here is one paper on it: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458691/
