Dog MRSA (Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Symptoms & Treatment

Dog MRSA

Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is a more dangerous form of Staphylococcus bacteria. It is resistant to antibiotics.
The bacteria are a major cause of illnesses both in humans and in pets particularly cats and dogs.
From mild skin infection to a more serious, the infections may involve the skin, tissues, and even blood.
The MRSA bacteria grow rapidly once they penetrate the dog’s body. The dog will start to weaken and may contract a wound. It may also suffer from a debilitating illness.
If the dog has MRSA infection, it is best to consult a veterinarian about it to know how to handle the infection.
In dogs, MRSA infections are mostly curable. The treatments can even be administered at home.
It is also recommended to avoid physical contact with the infected area. However, if humans should touch either the dog or its house, wearing gloves is a must.

The Staphylococcus bacteria are anywhere. The methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is more dangerous once it penetrates an open wound, cut, scratch, or graze in dogs. It can cause infection including boils, pimples, skin abscesses, impetigo, and wound infections.
A life-threatening condition may occur if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. When it happens, infections such as sepsiticaemia, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and endocarditis are likely to occur.
A few of the symptoms of MRSA infections include:

Skin boils
Lesions with pus
Dermatitis. The most usual symptom of MRSA infection in dogs is in the form of dermatitis. This is usually contracted during surgery through a wound. The dog may also experience cough with it.

Dogs can contract the methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection from humans who took the bacteria from hospitals or colonized facilities. Contaminated water in pools or puddles can also be a source of infection among dogs. Some dogs may contract the bacteria from overuse of antibiotics, which weakens their immune system. Moreover, if dogs have spent some time in a kennel, they are more likely to contract such infection from there.
To diagnose the infection, a swab test is initiated in the affected area, open wound, or skin rashes. The swab is then taken into laboratory for culture.
The treatment for MRSA infections in dogs involve antibiotics and alternative antibiotics which are placed onto the wound itself. There are also topical creams for wounds depending on their severity.
As always, the best cure for MRSA infections is prevention. Always keep the dogs healthy and surroundings clean.

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