Animal Staph Infections
Understanding what a staphylococcus (commonly referred to as "staph") infection is and how it can be treated in your pets is a positive step toward a cat or dog's well being.
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What Is a Staph Infection
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Staph are bacteria that live on and around the skin of healthy mammals. Staph infections commonly occur when a wound is exposed to these bacteria and the bacteria are allowed to grow. Fortunately, these infections are not contagious. Cats and dogs are most commonly prone to staph infections. Staph infections may be manifested in a couple of ways.
Staph Dermatitis
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A cat or dog may first indicate the presence of a staph infection by scratching itself over and over in a particular spot. When the skin becomes inflamed or even flaky from a staph infection, the infection is known as "staph dermatitis." This particular type of staph infection may be extremely irritating to a pet, causing it to scratch all the hair off of an area of its body. Flaking and hair loss are two telltale signs of such an infection. Lesions or pustules may form, indicating more severe infections.
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Ear Infections
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Staph of the ear affects a cat or dog very differently than staph dermatitis. A pet might show few signs of an ear infection other than crying, scratching or shaking the head. When staph begins to multiply in the ear, more obvious signs of an infection may show: redness, swelling and discharge from the ear are serious side effects. If a staph infection becomes extremely serious, a pet's face may swell.
Diagnosis
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These symptoms are readily obvious to the involved pet owner, but they do not necessarily indicate the presence of staphylococcus. A diagnosis is rendered by a veterinarian after a thorough examination. Collections of skin debris may be tested for infection; alternately, cultures can be grown and tested from samples in a laboratory. Cultures and biopsies are not typical, as the signs of infection will be obvious to a well-trained veterinarian.
Treatment
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The vet's determined course of treatment may entail a variety of medicines and remedies. It may be suggested that the pet's hair be shaved in order to expose the affected area to treatment. Antibiotic shampoos and baths are usually recommended in addition to a regimen of oral antibiotics to fight the infection more quickly. The vet might also cover the affected areas with bandages to prevent the animal from causing further harm to itself.
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