Recurrent superficial pyoderma caused by mixed infection of Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus pseudointermedius in a Yorkshire Terrier Dog

An 8-year-old spayed Yorkshire Terrier Dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Kyungpook National University because of the recurrent superficial pyoderma. At the presentation, pustules and papules were present throughout the body. Numerous rods with a few cocci were observed on impression smears and they were confirmed to be Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus pseudointermedius consecutively. The patient was treated with systemic enrofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid based on the results of antimicrobial sensitivity tests with once a week basis 4% chlorhexidine shampoo. An excellent clinical response was achieved in 2 weeks of therapy and the lesions were fully resolved in 6 weeks. The possibility of P. mirabilis infection should not be overlooked by clinicians in dogs with recurrent superficial pyoderma although it's been considered to be rare.