An advantage of dermatological disease is the ability
to treat the affected area topically with antiseptics or
antimicrobials. This route allows for delivery of high
antimicrobial levels at the affected site while reducing
systemic exposure. Drugs such as mupirocin, fusidic
acid, bacitracin/neomycin/polymixin B and silver
sulfadiazine can be effective in many cases. Recently,
questions have been raised over the use of mupirocin
in animals because of the importance of this drug in
MRSA decolonization therapy in humans, and the
emergence of resistance in MRSA. It is unclear whether
the use of topical antimicrobials such as mupirocin
for short-term therapy of local infections contributes
to resistance in human isolates. However, due to the
increasing importance of MRSA in both humans and
horses, this aspect should be considered when choosing
a topical antimicrobial. Topical therapy has some
drawbacks, as it can be difficult, time-consuming and
not properly or effectively applied by some owners.
Local irritation is also a potential problem in some
cases. Factors including the type of disease, pathogen
involved, severity and ability of the owner to treat
must be considered when deciding whether to use
system, topical or combination therapy. Removal of
debris by appropriate bathing is an important aspect
of topical therapy as it facilitates contact of the antimicrobial
or antiseptic with the infected skin surface.
Clipping of the haircoat may also be indicated to facilitate
drug contact.