Staphylococcal Infections
The Staphylococcus bacteria can live free in the environment, on the skin of a host as a parasite, and in the upper respiratory tract of animals. The bacteria can be transmitted easily from animal to animal and in some cases from animal to human. This infection can be found in any breed of dog, and at any age.
Symptoms and Types
For dogs, other common indicators can include wound infections, toxic shock syndrome, abscesses on the skin or mouth, and arthritis.
Causes
Younger dogs are most prone to developing this infection, as their immune systems have not fully developed. Old dogs are also more susceptible, as their immune systems have become worn down. Other causes can include bacterial or fungal infections (pathogens) of the blood, chronic debilitating diseases that wear down the immune system, allergies, and other secondary infections.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will conduct a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Proper diagnosis will often involve skin testing to determine if the condition is caused by allergies or other immune related causes. It is also important to rule out abnormal cell development as an underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment
A variety of medications are available to treat this medical condition, but some strains are resistant to medications. In some cases, standard antibiotics are not effective at curing this condition and a different course will need to be prescribed.
Living and Management
It is important to dispose of any potentially infected materials or contaminated objects. Also, external (topical) cleansing of the wound(s) and the infected area of skin is essential for healing the skin and preventing the bacteria from spreading. Because this type of bacteria is opportunistic, and can be passed to both animals and humans, special care must be taken when handling your dog and cleaning its wounds.
Prevention
There are currently no known preventative measures for this infection.
pica
A type of ravenous appetite that causes animals to eat or lick at strange substances
pathogen
Something that is capable of producing disease
otic
Anything having to do with the ear
pruritus
Something that causes itching
parasite
Any organism that lives on or inside another organism
pus
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
upper respiratory tract
The section of the respiratory system that contains the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and epiglottis.
pyoderma
A disease of the skin in which it emits pus
osteoarthritis
A disease of the joints in which the cartilage and bone become degenerative
nag
A type of horse that does not belong to a particular breed
infect
To cause disease by introducing germs or fungus
arthritis
A medical condition in which the joints become inflamed and causes a great deal of pain.
ark
A term usually used in the context of care for rabbits; a little structure with a ridged roof that may be used to house rabbits.
antibiotic
Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.
ion
An atom that has a positive or negative charge
lesion
A change in the way that tissue is constructed; a sore
anorexia
In veterinary terms, used to refer to the loss of appetite or lack of eating.
lysis
The breakdown of something or the destruction of something, biologically speaking
lope
A slower type of gallop
opportunistic
The ability to create a disease where a disease might not normally be found, usually due to an ill timed or unlikely weakness
