The itching leads to scratching, which damages the skin. The damaged skin is easier for bacteria to grow in. The usual defense mechanisms of the body, fever, white blood cells and antibodies do not work as well on the skin surface. Antibiotics must do more of the work alone. Often, antibiotics must be continued for up to 8 weeks to consistently control skin disease.
Several antibiotics seem to work consistently in skin disease.
When these antibiotics fail, it is necessary to culture the skin lesions to identify which antibiotic might be appropriate in an individual case. Occasionally it is necessary to continue antibiotic therapy indefinitely to control severe bacterial skin disease. These dogs can be benefited by the use of a product to promote immune responses. Although somewhat expensive and necessitating weekly injections, these products can cost less to use than frequent or continuous antibiotic therapy. Their use in cats is very limited due to difficulties testing cats accurately for individual allergens.