MRSA

[bulldog family]

Has anyone ever heard about MRSA in dogs? Norm was just diagnosed with it tonight. He had cultures performed on wounds that wouldn't heal on the top of his head. My poor boy!

I've been doing some research and it said it was catchy to humans.

[KMARINO]

Oh WOW I knew human's can get it and a couple of yrs ago there was a bad outbreak here in Fl. Poor Norm!!! What is the treatment antibiotics? Can YOU get it from Norm? Please keep us updated.

[Alice Kable]

I have not heard of dogs getting MRSA. Is he getting a super antibiotic? Take care so the rest of the crew doesn't get it. Good luck!

[BruceP]

Be very careful. I don't know if it can spread cross-species but it is not something you want to catch.

[Chunksmama]

UGH. Been there done that .. I know in humans it can affect different body systems in different ways and is more contagious in places like the respiratory system (for obvious reasons). I had MRSA of the skin about 6-7 years ago. It was AWFUL and we could not figure out where it came from. It was possibly the most painful thing I've ever dealt with. @bulldog family I hope Norm isn't in pain. I would be especially careful with touching the wounds/washing hands etc. I would also be leary of anywhere an open wound touches. Poor baby!!!

[bulldog family]

Yes.. it can spread from dog to person and back again. What really sux is I just had surgery, so I have wounds across my belly. I'm trying to stay away from him but it's so hard to do cuz he LOVES to snuggle. I love my Norm and will do anything I can for him. He doesn't seem to be in any sort of pain right now. But I will definately be on the look-out!

[Chunksmama]

Awwww. Just keep yourself covered and you should be ok! Take vitamins too, I'd think!

[Lucy-licious]

So what treatment is he on? MRSA is a staphilococcus that is resistant to lots of antibiotics. Cultures are tested to see what will work as treatment. In wounds it can slow healing terrable and dressings with silver content are found to be very good in treating it. Topical treatment for humans here in the Uk would be hibiscrub bodywash, bactoban nasal cream and chlohexadine mouthwash, this would be used for 5days then nothing for 2 days then reswab....in most cases here it is cleared after 2 courses of treatment. MRSA in itself is more common than people think, it is spread by touch however if people get it in heir respiratory system it can be airbourn. In healthy humans it is not usually bothersome but in those with poor immunity it can make them extremely poorly.

Ensure you maintain good hand heigene and if you can get hand wash containing chlorhexadine or an alcohol based one they would be a good idea to use after handling Norm. As long as your wound is coveted with a dressing you should be ok but I would visit my doctor for swabs just to be safe if I were you.

Bare in mind I am a UK nurse not stateside so our treatments may be different but the bug is the same.

[LisaMarie]

I hope he gets better. This is something I have never heard of in dogs. I am going to google it.

[LisaMarie]

And I hope you feel better soon!!

[Luvin My Bullie]

poor thing!! feel better

[Angelgirl]

Hope Norm is better soon and you don't catch it!