Affected puppies are between 3 weeks and 4 months of age. One or several puppies in a litter may be affected. Predisposed breeds include Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Gordon Setters. Acute swelling of the face, especially the eyelids, lips, muzzle, and submandibular lymph nodes. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, papules and pustules develop, especially on the lips, muzzle, chin, bridge of the nose, and periocular area.
Lesions often fistulate, drain, and crust.
Otitis externa may also be present. Lesions are painful, but not pruritic. Differentials include staphylococcal dermatitis, demodicidosis, and drug eruption. Cytology and histopathology do not reveal organisms, only pyogranulomatous inflammation . Early, aggressive therapy is indicated to try and prevent scarring, which can be severe.