Staphylococcal Infections in Dogs
Staphylococcal infections in dogs are caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, which can exist freely in the environment, as a skin parasite on a host, and within the upper respiratory tract of animals. These bacteria are easily transmissible from one animal to another and, in certain instances, from animals to humans. Staph infections can affect dogs of any breed and age.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Pain
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Skin abscesses
- Infections of the eyes, skin, ears, or respiratory system
- Itching (pruritus)
- Inflammation characterized by pus-filled lesions (pyoderma)
In dogs, additional common indicators may include wound infections, toxic shock syndrome, skin or oral abscesses, and arthritis.
Causes
Younger dogs are particularly vulnerable to developing this infection due to their still-developing immune systems. Similarly, older dogs are at higher risk because their immune systems become weakened over time. Other factors contributing to this condition can include bacterial or fungal infections (pathogens) in the bloodstream, chronic debilitating illnesses that compromise the immune system, allergies, and secondary infections.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, including a comprehensive blood profile comprising a chemical blood profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis. Accurate diagnosis often entails skin testing to ascertain if allergies or other immune-related factors are the cause. Additionally, it’s crucial to eliminate abnormal cell development as a potential underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment
Several medications are accessible for treating this condition, although certain strains may be resistant to them. In instances where standard antibiotics prove ineffective in curing the infection, an alternative treatment regimen will need to be prescribed.
Living and Management
Disposing of potentially infected materials or contaminated objects is crucial. Additionally, thorough external (topical) cleansing of the wound(s) and the infected skin area is essential for promoting skin healing and preventing bacterial spread. Since this bacteria is opportunistic and can be transmitted to both animals and humans, it’s important to handle your dog with special care and when cleaning its wounds.
Prevention
At present, there are no known preventive measures for this infection.
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