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Canine MRSA Blood Infection Control Techniques

Dogs > Infections / Disease > Canine MRSA Blood Infection Control Techniques

A MRSA blood infection can result in your dog getting a skin lesion or a more serious respiratory condition including pneumonia. Other conditions due to MRSA range from meningitis and blood infections to cardiac problems. Understand the details for optimal MSRA infection control.

Skin Contaminations as Primary Symptoms of MRSA

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is the name of the bacteria present in MRSA that causes a dog or human to become sick. When mrsa gets on the dog's skin, it can have an effect on an already existing wound. A dog may have had surgery, or another procedure, where his skin was pierced or an incision was made.

Examples of MRSA wound signs:

Open wound with puss
Skin inflammation
Small red bumps
Sores on the head and neck
Abscesses occurring under the skin that form lumps or tumors

There are other complications from MRSA besides skin problems. When a dog or human gets a MRSA blood infection, it may cause internal respiratory problems. The first indications are cold-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, fever and coughing.

MRSA Infection Control Tips

Prevent your dog from exposure to mrsa. He can come in contact with the bacteria in the home, a veterinary facility or interaction with other pets.
Encourage everyone to use proper hygiene especially children playing with your pets. Wash your hands as much as you can and keep hand sanitizers strategically placed in your home.
Carry hand sanitizers for travel trips and when visiting healthcare settings.
Be sure and wash your dog's paws, too, as they can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
If any wounds are present, keep them adequately cleansed and wrapped with the appropriate pads or bandages.
Clip your dog's nails to prevent further damage caused to skin by constant scratching.
Ensure that veterinary personnel and hospital workers wash their hands.
Ask staff members at hospitals what procedures they have in place to control the spread of MRSA.

Treatment Options for MRSA

A dog with a serious case of MRSA may be quarantined to prevent the infection from spreading. If severe blood infection or pneumonia is present, a dog may require staying at a veterinary clinic for a few days.

Treatment may include IV fluids and antibiotics, dialysis for possible kidney failure and administering oxygen. Topical wounds are normally remedied with antibiotic ointments that are rubbed entirely over the infected area.

Although MRSA can be highly resistant to select antibiotics, the following medications are recommended for treatment such as Clindamycin and Tetracycline.

Different Ways MRSA Infections Arise

Hospital infection is the most probable way the bacteria is transmitted. A MRSA infection that happens while you or your dog is hospitalized is called a nosocomial infection. MRSA thrives in settings where surgical procedures take place and open wounds are being treated. Bacteria invades a wounded area and can lead to a blood infection.

Community-acquired MRSA strains are becoming more common. Research suggests there is a growing presence of MRSA infection in dogs, cats and horses. Most of the time, the pets get the infections from their owners. In some cases, the infection can pass back and forth between pets and their owners.

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