Welcome to Bella's story & Pets MRSA

Veterinary Nurse Training Online is a website sponsored by Pet Plan Charitable Trust. The site will seeks to help staff working in veterinary practice. VNTO is an interactive educational tool to help reduce risks of cross infection between humans and animals. VNTO is a division of the Bella Moss Foundation and the website can be accessed by all visitors. www.veterinarynursetrainingonline.org

If you are in need of urgent advice and support regarding your pets health please contact Jill Moss -07860 879079 (From the USA 01144 7860 879079). Otherwise email info@thebellamossfoundation.com and ask for our factsheets.

     Bella Louise Moss December 22nd 1993 - August 23rd 2004 Kennel Club Name – Priscilla Princess

This is a story of the unique relationship, Shared for 8 years by a human and a canine creature. This is the story of a dog that didn’t know how to die, how her life was ended unnecessarily following routine surgery. This story is a warning of how the simple act of chasing a squirrel can end one life and devastate another. But, most of all, this is a story of love and respect, and hope that though this partnership was tragically broken, it will be instrumental in ensuring that animals in this country can be protected from veterinary ignorance in the future. Bella was my companion, buddy and confidante; what happened to her: Shouldn’t happen to a dog. By Jill Moss

The Story of Bella - Video




Listen to audio interview with Jill Moss at Crufts:
http://tpbaudioserver.co.uk/crufts/2008/audio.html

I was a single woman, living a free lifestyle, and I had never owned a pet. I was a working actress and hardly at home.  I had to visit a local osteopath, as I sat waiting in her living room, a bundle of white fluff jumped on my lap and it was love at first sight.  Bella (then a six month old puppy) was later to become the focus of my life. 

The family that owned her told me that their 8-year-old son had appeared in ‘Bisto’ television commercials and ‘Bisto’ had given Bella to them as a gift.

I later discovered that they did not have time for her that she had never socialised or been out for walks.  They willingly gave me the keys to their house, and I took Bella out regularly. I was so happy to see her running around, her pink tongue hanging out of her mouth as she enjoying her newfound freedom.

Often I’d enter the house only to find her locked out in the rain, or in the shed, or in the dark, distressed and so relieved to see me.  Being left alone for long periods, she had become destructive and was constantly being punished. Her spirit was low. I took her away for a weekend to the coast.

The family telephoned me to say they did not want her back, and, there and then, I was the proud owner of this beautiful creature.  Bella immediately settled into my home, taking possession of the garden, and gave up her destructive ways. 

A week later, the family demanded I return her to them as they had changed their minds.  Eventually we agreed that if I paid them £500.00, they would hand over the ownership papers.

My life as an actress and broadcaster was erratic to say the least.  However, it did bring me into contact with many celebrities and famous politicians. Living with me seemed to help Bella’s spirit flourish and, far from training her, I persuaded her to agree with me!  She was a free spirit and I respected her for that.

Bella was good at letting me know all of her needs, she loved to talk and like her mum, she was a born entertainer. The way she chatted endlessly warmed my heart.  I began to reply ‘woo,oo’ in her language and we had many long conversations.

Bella accompanied me wherever I worked.  In fact, after sneaking her into the studios at AA road watch where I was broadcasting traffic reports on the radio, she talked to the whole of Kent and I was sacked!  Bella escorted me to film premieres, gallery openings, showbiz and cultural events and she very quickly became the star wherever she went.  Tony Blair, found us wandering the corridors of the House of Commons and had a long conversation with Bella where she took the opportunity to give him her opinions of his latest manifesto for that year.

Local shop owners, with strict ‘no dog signs’ on their premises, would invite her in for chats, and explained happily to other customers that Bella was not a dog, but well, a person in a furry white coat.

At The Actors Centre in London, where I attended acting classes with the likes of Glenda Jackson and Dame Judy Dench, Bella soon became a regular member of the audience and regularly brushed up on her thespian skills. I took her to castings in Soho, London, and more often than not she would get the job! Well, that’s showbiz.

Wherever we went together we became known as the glamorous chatty blondes!

Elstree flying club had summer parties and made Bella, who was always the centre of attention, an honouree flying club member.

One of her greatest attributes was her gentleness towards children and other animals.  If, on the other hand, you were a male dog, you’d better watch out.

She was never in any doubt who was boss. Dominating but always gentle, people and animals alike knew where they stood!

Life with Bella was full of fun and adventures.  Bella’s vocal talents led her to be a star on ‘whose been framed’, where she was a seen kissing a hamster on the nose and telling long stories to whoever would listen. I could go nowhere without being stopped by people who felt compelled to touch her, and she was constantly being invited in for tea by elderly people we met.  Bella became a pet companion and gave pleasure to a lot of people who suffered from loneliness.

St James’s Palace in London invited me to a ball, and of course, I wore white.
Bella had long chats with Princess Margaret.  Royalty adored her for her wilfulness and determined attitude to life.  When we met Prince Charles himself at a polo match, he pointed to us and said “What a stunner”. Of course, he meant Bella not me!

A born flirt, Bella loved the guys! Many a charming lad would comment about the beauty walking along side me. Often drivers of expensive cars would park up; get out to make friends with her.  In the back of my car, she was always making eyes at the men.   Lorry drivers, police, and many more pulled up at traffic lights to ask me what kind of gorgeous creature was Bella…and she made the most of this attention.

Bella adored her food. Many London restaurants were known to prepare special dishes to cater for her expensive taste. Treats were not given to Bella.  Oh no.  We would make a visit to a pet shop, where she would go to the shelf and take whatever took her fancy, this amused the owners so much we were never charged for the half bitten biscuits on the floor.

Tragedy struck our life in 2000, when my partner was killed in a plane crash.  Had it not been for Bella waking me every morning with her determination to give me a good talking to, I dread to think how I might have managed to overcome the loss.

Bella’s latter years brought the onset of arthritis.  We made our walks shorter but more often; I took her for regular hydrotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (where once again her star qualities shone), and she was photographed swimming on the front page of the Royal Veterinary College’s newsletter.

In addition to twice-weekly swims, regular short walks, and a new diet designed for arthritis, Bella had weekly acupuncture sessions with homeopathic vet Richard Allport. It became my priority to ensure that Bella had the best veterinary care and that she did not suffer any more than she needed to.  I was glad to make this commitment to her.

Never a day went by in my life when I did not appreciate the very special qualities that Bella possessed.  She knew what she wanted and didn’t want, and this made her unique. Everyone who came in to contact with her was mesmerised by her beauty and endeared by her fun personality. (Please read tributes)

Bella and I were meant to be together. The incredible bond which we shared was ever apparent to all those who knew us. We were devoted to each other and even though there were times we had to be apart, we were never separated in spirit.

It is for this reason that what followed is a tale of tragedy

In July 2004, Bella was enjoying her usual chase of a squirrel, when her cruciate ligament ruptured.  I rushed her into the Medivet 24 hour hospital in Hendon, where previously Bella received great care.

Her usual vet performed emergency surgery before leaving for a three-week vacation.  A week later, Bella was off her food and seemed in great pain.  Another vet who knew Bella visited us at home and prescribed pain medication, before leaving for a two-week vacation.

Following this visit, her leg became swollen, before bursting open with pus.  With both vets away, she was admitted back into the Hendon hospital where she remained for a week. There seemed no clear plan for her treatment, and many conflicting opinions were offered to me.  I visited throughout each day and evening, but became increasingly concerned about the treatment she was receiving.  Antibiotics were given (by now this was two and half weeks after the initial surgery) and the hands of vet staff squeezed the wound trying to expel pus.  Bella had a high temperature and was mostly in a small cage in the main hospital with no fan.  A heavy coat and temperature combined she was distressed and uncomfortable.  My requests to provide her with air conditioning went unmet until, in the end, I had to find the air conditioning unit myself.  She had a persistent cough, which alarmed me. Although I was told it was due to irritation of the windpipe following the surgery, I found it difficult to feel convinced.

Unhappy with the care she received and following the discovery that her wound was infected; I contacted dog magazines to find out about orthopaedic specialist vet care in my area.  I demanded that Medivet refer Bella to Davies White Specialist Veterinary Hospital in Bedfordshire.

Had I not moved Bella out of the Hendon hospital she would have died that day.  After examination by the vet at Davis White, she was rushed in for emergency surgery. Undetected by Medivet, Bella was now suffering from a urinary-tract infection and the onset of pneumonia, and was in septic shock. One week in the Medivet, hospital had resulted in this severity of infection.

During the emergency operation at Davies White, Bella’s wound was re-opened and washed, all of the nylon sutures that had been placed there by Medivet were removed, and antibiotic beads were inserted into the joint. Staff at Davies White did not think that Bella would survive given her age and the severity of the infection, and it was only later that they discovered how hard she would fight to live.

During that afternoon, I sat on the grass verge outside the hospital. Then later, as Bella fought for her life, I fought the vets to let me have regular visits with her. How could I explain the importance Bella had to me, and the importance I had to her? How could I explain, without seeming to be completely off the rails, that Bella needed me to be there with her? I was determined that if she were to die, I was not going to let her go without me being there.

Over the next week, she made a vast improvement. I realised that, had I known about the care and treatment that Davies White gave, I would have insisted on her being transferred much earlier. Even when it became known that her infection was MRSA, their approach was professional, caring and, above all, effective.

Bella was discharged home after three weeks and Davis White returned responsibility for her continuing care to Medivet.  (As they are a referral centre only) The plan was to wait about two months and then do reconstructive surgery on the leg on the assumption that she would continue to improve. Sadly, it didn’t happen. Bella deteriorated and needed another emergency admission to Medivet when her condition suddenly worsened.

What followed for her and me was a living hell.

Confined with Bella who was now critically ill in a consulting room, our last 48 hours together were a nightmare in which I watched as confused and frightened veterinary nurses, afraid of becoming infected themselves, abandoned her, and vets gave me conflicting advice. It was down to me to change her bedding and incontinence pads, take her temperature, and cool her fever with wet towels.  Left to care for her myself, I could only hope to give her the comfort of my presence and then the release that she finally had to have as she was by now in organ failure.

Bella died of MRSA for two reasons.  Firstly, the surgery for her cruciate ligament infected her with MRSA and this went undetected by the variety of vets treating her for three weeks. Secondly, I didn’t know there were such things as specialist veterinary centres, and had to take it upon myself to find Bella the best care once I lost faith in Medivet. 

 

Today Bella and I would still be together

 

Had I known that MRSA existed in dogs at all and been aware of some of the symptoms to watch for, I would have been alerted to the risks; had I questioned the veterinary care she was receiving I might have saved her life.  And, had I been aware of places like Davies White, the infection could have been prevented from spreading through her body and ending her life prematurely and with suffering.

Had Medivet not been in denial about the existence of MRSA in their hospital and completely inadequate to provide barrier nursing, I would not have had to be confined in a room watching Bella suffer as nurses refused to treat her.  The trauma of this memory continues to haunt me.

Bella died of MRSA because of ignorance and incompetence. She should still be with me now and this is a fact I have to live with.

I hope that Bella’s story will alert dog owners to the risks that exist in veterinary clinics and hospitals.  It is not just the risk of contamination through surgery, but also the risk that MRSA DOES exist in animals that just like us can become colonised and be susceptible to further infection at any time.

It is my hope that Bella’s premature and unnecessary death will go some way towards making important changes in the field of veterinary medicine. 

Facts

MRSA is crossing the barrier from human to animal

MRSA exists in small animals and if caught in time in most cases can be successfully treated.

What needs to be done for the future

More research into how small animals become colonised and infected with MRSA. 

The British Veterinary Association and Royal College of vets need to implement strict guidelines for vets and nursing staff in how to avoid and control life-threatening infections. 

Veterinary hospitals need to receive clear advice on barrier nursing techniques

Vets need to clean up their act, their theatres and their attitudes.

Animals dying of infections post-routine surgery is not bad luck

It is negligence!

Comments

[Natural Health Products]

More & more people know that Blog are goods for every one where we can get more knowledge nice job keep it up !

[Debbies Dog Clothes]

beautiful dog.

[The Bird Coop]

Great Post..I find comments relating to this subject matter very interesting, especially the fact that dogs today have terrible living conditons because of a lack of care concerning wildlife.

[Household Dog Gates]

Thank you for sharing such a touching story with your readers.

[infectioncures]

this is a great thing you guys are doing! MRSA is a very terrible infection that has affected many people! I actually have a lot of news and free information about it on my site as well. please check us out at www.infectioncures.com

Keep up the good work in helping out pets get safe from MRSA!

[Christine]

How tragic for all of you and the poor, loving animals that you tried so hard to protect.
My heart goes out to all of you.
As the owner of two pit bulls and a golden retriever (the loves of my life AND my only children), I would be more than happy to start a petition demanding better sanitary codes in animal hospitals and would gladly do whatever I can to help stop this heinous crime from ocurring again.
We simply CANNOT and MUST NOT let this continue.
There are ways of getting legislation passed in Congress and we need to formalize a plan to do so.
All in favor say, WOO WOO!!!

[Don Bridges]

I came across this site when researching the disease. Thank for sharing the story it goes a long way in offering support to others. I certainly wish your mother all the best

[claire davis]

HI SORRY TO HERE WHAT HAPPENED WITH YOUR DOG,IVE JUST HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN.I HAD A 13 YEAR OLD STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER WHO HAD A YEARLY CHECK UP LAST WEEK, THE VET SAID HE NEEDED TEETH REMOVED.ON FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 08 HE HAD 10 TEETH REMOVED I PICKED HIM UP THAT EVENING AND HE SEEMED FINE.ON SATURDAY MORNING I THOUGHT HE HAD A STROKE HIS SIDE WAS SAGGING I TOOK HIM STRAIGHT TO THE VETS & THEY SAID IT WAS A BUILD UP OF FLUID FROM THE OP.THEY GAVE ME MORE ANTIBOITICS HE STARTED TO BE SICK THEN HIS LEG DOUBLED IN SIZE AND THE SAGGING HAD TURNED INTO WHAT LOOKED LIKE A BIG BLISTER.HE WENT BACK TO THE VETS WAS GIVEN MORE TABLETS & THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE AN ABSCESS BUT WASNT SURE HE SPENT THE DAY AT THE VETS AS THEY WANTED TO KEEP AN EYE ON HIM.WHEN I PICKED HIM UP THEY TOLD ME HE WAS ANIMIC SO THEY TOOK BLOOD TO FIND WHATS CAUSED THIS HE WAS THEN SICK AGAIN SO THEY INJECTED HIM WITH SOME THING TO STOP HIM BEING SICK.I TOOK HIM HOME AND THIS MORNING HE HAD WET HIS BED WAS SICK AGAIN AND HIS EYES LOOKED LIKE HE WAS ON DRUGS.JUST LOOKING AT HIS EYES I NEW THIS WAS THE END.I CALLED THE VETS THEY SAID GO STRAIGHT DOWN.WE GOT THERE AND I WAS JUST SOBBING MY HEART OUT.THEY HAD GOT RESULTS BACK AND TOLD ME HE HAD CAUGHT MRSA AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SO HE WAS PUT DOWN,ALL THEY SAID TO ME WAS THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE WEATHER HE HAD CAUGHT IT FROM THEM OR NOT. BUT FOR HIM TO HAVE OP, THEN THE NEXT DAY ENDS UP WITH SAGGY LUMP WHICH FORMS INTO A BLISTER THEN MRSA TELLS ME IT WAS THEM AT FAULT AND IF HE NEVER HAD HIS TEETH OUT HE WOULD STILL BE WITH ME NOW.IT COST ME £311 FOR THE TEETH OUT THEN ANOTHER £340 FOR 5 OR MORE DIFFERANT ANTIBIOTICS THE INJECTION TO PUT HIM TO SLEEP AND TO HAVE HIM CREMATED. I FEEL I SHOULD BE REFUNDED THE MONEY AS THEY KILLED MY DOG IN MY EYES.

[Donna King]

I would love the information for the vets. I have been fighting MRSA for 2 yrs now. I am now of very powerful antibiotics because I have another infection in my nose.
We have two cats. My vet says she knows nothing about treating cats (or animals) for MRSA. I have called the State vet but have not gotten a response yet. Could you send me your vet information.
Thank you for telling your very painful story. Poor Bella and poor you. She did not die in vain though.
Donna

[MRSA Superbug]

Rainy, As far as I know animals can give humans MRSA. People need to be very careful if their animal has a pussy wound.

Bella's story is inspirational and I'm sorry for your loss.

[Chris]

I sorry for you loss. It seems to have ended far to early. I have two dogs and I know my family would be a wreck if we lost one.

[ANITAPIA]

My family has recently suffered bouts of MRSA. My cocker has also shown signs of an infection. My doctor suggested that I get my dog tested. I took my dog to the vet for a test and the vet took the swab and swabbed a healed skin spot where an ulcer had been. It is now a circle of dry patch with no hair. When I asked him why he was doing it there instead of testing my dogs nose he paused and went to phone a lab (or that is what he said) when he returned he said that the lab told him to do it this way. The test was VERY EXPENSIVE and I am not confident that he tested my dog right. Do you know the correct way to test a dog for MRSA? Can MRSA be tested the way he did it?

Thanks so much!

[marisol maren]

I am very concerned about this bacteria! and how is affecting everybody, specially schools, kids don't wash their hands that often. Is important to talk to them about higiene!

[connie]

As i read this story i was crying. I an a dog groomer and i love every one of them. I was not aware that small animals could get MRSA. I hate loosing any of my dogs to natural causes, but this is not natural. Is there any flyers or posters stating anything about MRSA in pets so i can let the owners know.so all pet owners should know what to look for.
thank you so much for sharing that story with us without you i would not have known that pets could get it . the way i found out more about it my daughter has the begenning stages of it .she got medical attention and so doing fine i pray that it stays that way .

[Monica]

I just came across your website doing some research on MRSA as I just got the devastating news from my HIV+ brother that he has MRSA. I have 3 dogs myself who I can't imagine living without. You are so incredibly courageous to have gone through such devastation and still want to help others by sharing your story. I am in tears looking at the pictures of your precious Bella. She was so incredibly beautiful and just by looking at her I can see all those wonderful qualities you speak of. I am so sorry that you have lost each other. At the moment, I am terrified. Terrified of what my brother faces. I hope that it's nothing and that with some medication he will be fine. But, I am terrified to think that it may not be that simple. Thank you for sharing your story as it is an inspiration to me right now. I will share your story now with everyone I know not only for the obvious safety reasons but so they can be just as inspired and so they can see how beautiful Bella was. This is what keeps wonderful memories alive.

[Christine D.]

Oh, sweet Bella. Her story really left an impression with me. I will share this experience with my friends because it's very informative and something that people should know about.

I listened to your interview on DogCast Radio recently and I was in tears. I looked up MRSA and the first link I clicked on was your site, actually.

[Kathy K Stair]

I work around MRSA as part of my job. I did not know though I should have known that it could spread. This is all the more reason for me to remember to constantly follow all precautions. Washing hands before leaving work. and to wash my hands prior to petting my dog when I get home. I will make sure my new vet is aware that this deadly infection can spread from humans to animals. Thank you so much for your story.

[Donna Tomblin]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, as I have 2 canine children. I would be lost without my babies! They provide so much comfort and joy to me. I know Bella is in a better place looking down on you and watching every move that you make. You are truly a remarkable person, as some would not be this dedicated to their children, and just not care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending out your message about MRSA and exactly what damage it can do. I am a nursing assistant in a local facility and find myself in contact with this disease frequently, but even thru the worst of it I still try to provide the utmost dignity and the best of care to my patients no matter what they may have. Thank you for your story. May God bless you.

[jill moss]

Just to let you know that I am replying individually to all of you who have concernes about mrsa or cross infection, rather than here on the forum. If you do not get a reply email me at info@thebellamossfoundation.com 07860 879079

[Sue Smith]

Hi Jill,
I have never trusted doctors for reasons which would make another harrowing story and I trust vets even less. The years of exceptional relationship Bella shared with you outnumber her youthfull mishandling and even those terrible, terrible final days.
I have grown sons and grandchildren at various ages and love them all but there is always a special place I keep right in the middle of my heart for my 'boys'. The ones forever gone and the one here now, Harvey. All English Bull Terriers and all unique characters and all precious.
Next week I will be at my vets for Harvey to get his kennel cough done and I will bring the subject of MRSA up with him to see if he is aware.
Bella the Beautiful will live forever in your heart.
Best wishes, Sue

[sonia]

I can't believe what happened to you and your bella which is your baby. Reading your story was very hard. I have a baby chi, call me crazy but I don't like to use the word dog, because to me their like my children. I'm going to distribute your story to my vet and emergency hospital where I take my baby, I want them to know that this is our loved ones life they hold in their hands, and because of vet negligiance these tragic things happen. Thank you for sharing your story it means alot makes us aware of whats out there. Because you shared Bella story she will never be forgotten she will always be remembered of all the wonderful things she did with you and all those she helped to make aware of mrsa. I wish you the best and again want to thank you and your beautiful Bella.

sonia

[john]

I currently have a cane corso mastiff that is suffering from MRSA is there any words of encourgement that any one has for me? She is only 1.5 years old.

[andreea]

i'm so sorry because you lost your best friend....i'm from romania and i read your story and i started ti cry because i have a pet too but not a dog....i have two guinea pigs and they are my life even if they are little and don't understant people language....but i love them from the bottom of my heart....i've lost too my pets a time ago but i've bought another....so keep thinking at bella as she is there with you and don't suffer anymore....sorry again

[sarah]

dear jill and bella,

i'm sorry to hear about that remarkable tale and a tragety. i really don't think Bella ever really left you and even though Bella's gone now she is in a better place I know that sounds cheap and you probably heard it a-million times but every time you hear it just think about it and know it is true. Speaking of the truth, i'm actually a 12 yr-old who just spent 1 whole hour reading and now im writing. I have MRSA and NO doubt IT HURTS! they say it starts out as a spider-bite-looking thing and i have that! I havent totally convinced my parents that it is though.----Oh well guess it will have to sink in to my skin first,or really hurt. your friend
Sarah J. Tuoni

[Jill Moss]

Thank you for your email and I am sorry to hear what happened to your dog at work.

MRSA is a bacteria not a virus it is not airbourne and as a fragile bacteria it has to penetrate broken skin to become a problem, although sometimes people and animals can carry the staph bacteria harmlessley in their noses and throats without ever developing an infection. (more can be found on this on our Q & A section on the website)

I am confident your dog is not at risk, the staph aureaus bacteria that becomes resistant to antibiotics and then becomes mrsa is an opportunistic bacteria that really only becomes a real problem when it penetrates broken skin. A person with mrsa fussing over your dog could not cause your dog to become infected, but there is a very small possibility and it is small one that your dog may become colonized by coming into close proximity with a person who has mrsa. (It depens on the degree of contact) I would say an animal living with a person with mrsa is more likely to become colonised than an animal whom has had a brief encounter.

What is important to remembers is that a healthy animal is not at risk and even if they temporarily carry staph in the nose and throat their own immune sytsem wilbut the immune system will deal with it.

What I would do, if I were you is take our factsheet into your vet, make sure they understand all about mrsa in animals tell them we have literature for vets if they would like some sent. If you are really worried for the sake of £22.00 you can have your vet take a nasal swab from your dogs nose to see if it is positive for carriage.

I hope that this has helped do not hesitate to get in touch if you want to know more

[Kerisa]

wow, i'm so sorry this had to happen to you, I lost a pet last year to a brain tumor, and although it wasn't the same losing a pet is something no one should have to do alone :( I hope you find a dog that brings you joy again and i'm glad you made this site

As a vet student at the moment, i'm disappointed how the veterinary profession is portrayed by some of your posters. We are taught about MRSA at Uni, but it is still a developing area, hence why some vets have been unsure of its relevance in animals unitl recently. it is possible for MRSA to be transmitted from human to animal, and yes in a ideal world every pet would be swabbed for infection, and as such every owner, but it just isn't feasable at present. Veterinary professionals work as hard as possible to take care of pets in pressured situations.
I also disagree with a posters comment about the veterinary profession going down hill due to the number of female graduates. in my opinion that is blatent female discrimination. There are more women in the profession, and yes they do go and have children, but most return after and continue wiht the job as they love it so much. i am disappointed that this old fashioned attitude still exists in the work place today!
I would also like to reasure people that not all vet practices are as those described above! People should ensure that there pets get the best treatments possible and don't just pick practices becuase of their low cost etc.

[JIll Moss]

Jane and others who have asked questions about infection control I have responded to your personal emails and sent you relevent information for you and your vet.

[Hi Jill]

Your website was the very first one that I looked out when I was reasearching MRSA and dogs. I am so sorry for your loss and apreciate you sharing your's and Bella's story. I had been exposed to MRSA when my mother who has sence passed away contacted it through dyalisis. My sister and her entire family has had to be treated for MRSA outbreaks which started about 1 year after my mother's passing. My sister and myself have been sanitizing our entire houses and taken all of the recommended precautions and treatments. I was worried about my minature Daschound (Pistol)and wether or not he can catch it. I have to shower in a medicated wash on a routine basis and had to take an ointment treatment in my nostrils and fingernails to hopefully avoid an outbreak. Are there any precautions that I need to take the protect my little one?
Best wishes,
Jane

[Jill Moss]

Thank you for all of your comments - please note that I reply individually and not to each posting on the website. At no time are posts deleted unless they offend. The Bella Moss Foundation works closely with the veterinary profession organising veterinary seminars and educational training sessions on infection control and we are also working on an international platform to bring together leading clinicians and researchers to look at mrsa transmission from humans to animals. If you require any help or advise my number is on the front of this website
email
info@thebellamossfoundation.com

The work that I do behind the scenes of this website is very important, we raise awareness amaongst pet owners and help veterinary professionals to enage with their colleagues at leading veterinary hospitals when cases present difficult or beyond the knowledge of veterinary teams.

If you come across this post and would like more information on the work of the foundation then please do email me

[Marie Wiorski]

Thank you for sharing with us the details of your life with Bella. I know this was not easy, but it brings awareness of MRSA to many who are unaware about the dangers. My prayers go out to all who have had and who are currently dealing with this illness. I came across your site after discovering my mother contracted MRSA. I was concerned for our children (four Chihuahuas). Hopefully my mother does not have a serious case of MRSA and she will respond to the antibiotics so that all will be fine very soon. Again, thank for your courage and kindness in sharing your story. May God Bless you for being the wonderful person you are!!! Most cordially, Marie from Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

[John]

Erm, I've just been reading all the posts below and have noticed that you have been deleting posts. I presume these are responses from veterinary personel whom you do not wish to post here. I think that is unfair. I hope that you do not delete my post. Having started researching this subject, I am aware that MRSA is everywhere and it is only the resistant types that are appearing in the media just now. MRSA was probably on the lovely Bella when she went into hospital, and with the best will and hygeine in the world, during a long orttopeadic operation, infection may happen. I know how devestating the loss of a loved one is and please don't think that I am attempting to belittle Jill or her late dog, but being so offensive towards veterinary staff who would not be in the job if it wasn't for their love of animals is not helping anyone, and may in fact be counter-productive if people decide not to go to a vet about a medical problem.

[Shae Madigan]

Hi Jill,
From one dog lover to another, I'm so very sorry to read about you beautiful dog Bella.
My husband and I have a 3 1/5 yr old bull mastiff cross called Norman. Recently he also did his cruciate ligament and had to had surgery, because he is a big dog we were recomended to take him to an orthorpetic specialist where the op was to be done. About a week after the op we notice his leg was very swollen and he seemed fine in himself (you would never know Norman was ever unhappy anytime!). After lot's of tests and being poked and prodded the results came back that he had MRSA in the knee joint. As a result it is now 8 weeks after the op and he has begun physiotherapy and is finally weight bearing! At the moment he is on the only antibiotics that werent resistant to the infection and hopefully it will be the beginning of a good recovery. The problem that I found when dealing with specialists is the high tech talk they use and they have an amazing ability to not show to much concern, if it wasnt for my close friend the if a great vet nurse we would be non the wiser about what was going on and where it was going. My advice to anyone who doesnt understand the lingo and doesnt know what else to do is to maybe try to contact a vet clinic that your pet doesnt attend and ask to talk to the vet, ask all the questions and ask for answers that you can understand, ask what sort of questions you should be asking the specialist etc...We trust these people with an important member of our families it time they took a bit of responsibility for their actions.. Thank you and take care.

[Kyle Murphy]

Like your dog, my dog is facing death too only with a dislocated joint, i am sorry to hear about bella and what joy you had together.

[Jill Moss]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the posts on this website and to let you know that althgough I do not reply here I do email every person who posts and when necessary I put people in touch with experts in their local area.

If you have not recieved a reply from me please email me at
info@thebellamossfoundation.com or call my cell phone
07860 879079

When it comes to advise I prefer to talk with people in confidence and put your vets in touch with our teams of experts as each case is different - It would be unfair to advise generally about mrsa in animals except to say that sensible hand hygiene is the best protocol when dealing with any bug.

All posts come to my home private email so I will always reply

God Bless you all

[Anonymous]

I was so sad at reading the story. It has given me some hope though as my dog, who is my best friend, has been diagnosed with MRSA and now I know that there is a chance he can recover, I only wish that Bella did too!!!

[sheri]

I'm so sorry for your loss Jill, I recently lost a beloved rotti I had rescued 10 yrs ago, and she is dearly missed! I know she is better off now as she had been paralized due to ankolosis spondalitis and had been so brave through all that she had endured in the last 6 months of her life! She has taught me so much about dignity and grace in the face of adversity! I have just tested positive for mrsa, 6 days ago and now my teen daughter has just gotten 2 small sores! I've always resued animals and now have a rabbit rescue and anouther recued rotti that sleeps on my daughters bed, although they both have their own bedding, they cuddle each other. I also have a young rabbit that is recovering from a dislocated vertabrae, so she needs allot of help and careht so she sleeps on the sectional couch next to me. Again all my animals have their own bedding and towels and I'm constantly cleaning and disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or bleach. We go through tons of hand soap and never touch anything else till our hands are clean after dealing with a sick animal, or if we are sick ouselves. Now since I have been diagnosed we have really stepped up our disinfecting protocol! BUT I'M SO VERY WORRIED FOR ALL OF MY FAMILY, HUMAN AND ANIMAL!! And I must say that after my treatment at the university hospital I'm very confused! At my first emergency room visit the Dr suspected mrsa, but never did a swab me to be tested and sent me home with polysporin (I had already been on antibiotics for over a month!), the next two emerg visits still no swab, but the third visit they decided that the "boil" was infected and I should get antibiotic treatment via IV. I have told every Dr and nurse that I have come in contact with that they supected mrsa at my first emerg visit, and that I have not been swabbed and that nobody knows why I'm getting theese sores and that my Dr had perscribed me antibiotics for over a month for what he believed is a staph infection. Knowing all this I was being given my antibiotics in a hospital iv clinic sitting next to other pt's being treated via iv's for various things including cancer pt's! After 2 days of iv antibiotics the clinic Dr seen me and I was finally swabbed for mrsa and the Dr said she was going to start treatment for mrsa, so that night I was to get vancomyacin in my iv. I was still treated in the same room, sitting in the same chairs as the rest of the pt's who were getting iv treatment, again including cancer pt's getting iv treatments. The following evining I was not alloud to even enter the same room I had been treated in for the last 4 days and now I had to be in isolation and had to wear a mask as now I was presumed as having pos mrsa. I was really blown away as after the first emerg visit I was really concerned but none of the health care profesionals even raised an eyebrow when I mentioned that it was suspected mrsa and now all of a sudden I was being treated like I was a lepper! So after seeing first hand the lack of action at a hospital where they treat people with mrsa daily and see the toll it takes, I'm not surprised that allot of vets are not taking proper percautions and/or are not aware! I'm from Canada, and have lived mostly in BC and AB. Through all the animals I have rescued I have spent thousands of dollars on vets! With only a couple of bad exsperiances! With the exception of a couple, every vet I have dealt with has been very dedicated and caring to my pets and have done the very best they can with what they have! In fact most have been exceptional and have gone over and above what I would expect from a vet! After reading some of the horor stories on this site it really sounds like there needs to be a huge overhaul in the (uk?)system! So thank you so much for trying to get awareness out there on behalf of thoose who can not speak for them selves!

[valerie]

I have mrsa for over 7mths All over my face. I passed it to my boyfriend which we are getting treated with vanko next week. But the funny thing is I called 10 pet clinics asking them about mrsa and they didnt even know if pets can get it... Didnt they go to school for that.... I own two dachshunds that try to touch my mrsa. So now im scared for them.

[Ro]

Hi there.
I'm reading this at work and I'm so so sorry to hear about Bella. My dog is sat beside me as I brought her into the office today as she's got a badly cut paw which is stapled but now not dressed - vets advice. And the reason I'm reading your story is because I'm researching MRSA because some idiot came into work today with MRSA and fussed my injured dog. The whole place is livid because she didn't tell anyone (has now been sent home). I'm just praying my dog will be ok. I've contacted the vets and they've given me advice. I hope some good comes out of your publicity work. x

[Rainy]

Hi,
I just read your story about Bella and i think it raised some valid issues concerning animal care.
I work in a veterinary hospital and cases of MRSA are becoming more and more frequent.
The vets that you went to sound terrible. I realise i'm lucky to work in a hospital that treats all of the patients to the highest standard possible, whether infectious or not. I myself recently barrier nursed an MRSA boxer dog and i am happy to say he went home on sunday fully recovered.
There is hope for MRSA patients but i support and recognise the need for your awareness campaign and wish you the best of luck.
Rainy

[Debby]

HI! I just ran across your website.....my sister has MRSA and I have been reading about the connection between pets and humans. She had a dog die about 6 months ago.....he had a large cyst on his hip that was always oozing.....can a dog give humans MRSA???? She has only been dianosted with MRSA about 4 months ago?

[Ed Hadden]

Sorry for your loss. I recently lost a 5 month old husky I had only had for a few weeks. She went into seizures and died the vet said she died of an infection on the brain. Me and my son have had several infections over the last 6 or 7 months and been treated. After going going to the hospital several times and my son being admitted for two days. Well today I went to the hospital again with infection again this time since I gave them a hard time the doctor pulls up our history well in past they took cultures and me and my son have MRSA and they didn't even notify us. So now I wonder if this could affected my dog. Did Bella ever have seizures at any time before she died?

[DIANNE]

I am so very,very sorry about Bella. I have always and will be in love with my fury creatures young and old. My husband died of a heart attack,it was my Sassy, german shepard who knew something was wrong made me aware of something not right was going on. I thought she wanted to go to her bed in our bedroom when I opened the door I found my husband on our bedroom floor. I knew he had been outdoors,but never knew he came in to get a nitro pill. Wow huh! The rest of the story goes like this, two weeks later my lovable Sassy was outdoors with her sisters, a lab, and a heinz 57, my daughter and I was at school all day got home at eight that night brought our girls in when Sassy jumped up to say hello and fell to the ground. Then I noticed her swaying back and forth, to make the story short we had to put her down. She was my daughters dog, my dog for eight years but when my husband died so did part of her,to this day we miss her. I just shows how much love our little fury creatures have for the human kind. Her love will always be within us. We love her so much. My daughter who is now 16 took some of her hair so in the future she can have DNA to clone her. Now how about that! Keep Bella alive, dare to love again, Lord knows there is someone that deserves your love and they are waiting for YOU! Take care and God bless you and to all who reads this website. You are awesome people!

[Grace]

Hi Jill,
So sorry for your sad loss. I found your site while looking for info on m.r.s.a in dogs. I have a 2 year old german shepard called petra who has just been diagnosed with the dreaded m.r.s.a. She was spayed at the end of june and thats where the trouble begin. She has just started her medication today and i live in hope that it will work and have a happy ending. Thank you for taking the time to share your story of Bella,i can only imagine the pain you have been through. Bright blessings to you, Grace

[April Hardesty]

Jill,
I am so sorry about your baby, but I am so glad that you shared this information with others. I am doing a research paper for school and came across your site. Intrigued, I read her story, and since I have five dogs, it's always important to me to try to keep up with what is happening in the world of canine medicine. Again, I am deeply sorry for your loss, but very appreciative for the heads-up.
God bless,
April

[Debra Daniels]

As I was reading about sweet Bella, holding back tears wasent easy, What a tragic story about two friends that loved each other, im so very sorry for your loss of Bella, but as the Rainbow bridge poem explains we will see our beloved pets again. God Bless

[Melissa Billups - Owner of Grandma's Black Salve]

Dear Jill,

I am so sorry to read about Bella. She was a beautiful dog. I had rescued a dog that looked very similar to Bella once, only for her to run away from me also.

I saw a story about MRSA at my doctors office and did a google search to read more about it and found your site. I was touched by your story.

I also wanted to see if a product that I have been making and selling that has been in my family since the 1800's might help some people and their animals who have a staph infection or MRSA. I will paste some information from my website below so people can read it. But just so everyone knows I sell it on my website and also on ebay. It is a drawing ointment (ALL NATURAL) and it really works GREAT!

I have personally used it on pets. It works great on them too- just don't let them eat it.

Thanks for reading!
Welcome to our site. Grandma's Black Salve!
(A Drawing Ointment)

NOT FOR CONSUMPTION!! - TOPICAL AND EXTERNAL USE ONLY! DO NOT USE IN MOUTH OR EYES - KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN!

I am proud to be able to finally share it with others for a reasonable price.

For a GREAT price of $7.99 for a 2 oz jar and $4.99 for a 1/2 oz jar, plus as low as $3.12 shipping and handling 1st class mail, plus applicable CA state sales tax. Or, to save money, if you are local, I can meet you in the Sacramento or Cameron Park area to deliver you a jar.

M. Hoppenworth, Middleburg, FL (Ebay username: KMES719): My husband got a painful spider bite. I recommended that he put your salve on it. The pain decreased almost immediately and within less than two days the bite was gone!
G. Hanson, Phoenix, AZ: I purchased 2 jars of Grandma's black salve. It works great, pulled out a glass sliver from my foot overnight. My dog had an infection in her paw. I used Grandma's black salve and she was walking on it the next day. It also took the swelling out of a cyst in my back. Best product I've ever used. I recommend it to all my friends.

T. Wright, Newark NJ (Ebay username: cpobera):
The Black Salve is working great, my 7 year old son had a big long thick piece of floor wood in his foot. I got most of it out, but then there was a small sliver left in there, that I did not want to dig for and give him anymore pain. I ordered the black salve, because I already new the reputation of it & how it worked very well. I started using it right away on his foot, & within 2 days it had worked it's way out. Thank You So Much!
C. Gonder, Yuba City CA:
It worked great on my ingrown fingernail. I used it for about 3-4 days and it felt better.

J. McDougle, Cameron Park, CA:
I had pus in my finger because of an ingrown finger nail. I had to open up the skin with a sterile needle. I used the salve for 4 days and it was completely gone.
A. Billups, Cameron Park, CA:
I can't believe how the red lines in my foot were gone overnight and the wound healed completely by the end of the week.
cynbutterfly (ebay username), Pottsboro, TX: I finally got a chance to leave a feedback for you. I've used the salve a couple of times so far. It seems to be doing a good job! I appreciate you. After this batch is up, I'll get more. Have a good one!

USES:
Grandma's Black Salve is designed for topical use. It may help with insect bites, cuts, sratches, infections that don't want to heal, splinters, skin eruptions, glass slivers and much more!
Even good on family pets. Do not allow them to lick the salve. (Cone for head recommended)

I have used it on my children a number of times and they never complain of pain, they actually ask me to use it!

My father recently used it because he was hit extremely hard by a golf ball. He had a large bruise with broken skin from where he was hit. He applied the salve and by the next day most of the bruise was gone.

My mom has used black salve all of her life. The most memorable experience for her was when she was in a severe car accident at the age of 13. Her father was killed and her mother (My Grandma Helen) was severely injured. The only wound found on my mother a few days after the accident, was a cut on her ankle. By then it had made a red streak up the back of her leg. My Grandma applied her salve with a bandage and by the next day all of the red was out of her leg.

Black Salve is made in many ways but none quite as remarkable as my Grandma's.

This recipe for Black Salve will not be released to the public, but we can tell you how it got here. It was created by my family and brought to the United States from Hungary. It was then passed on through the family to my Grandmother, Helen. After she passed on, it was given to my mother. She will in turn, pass it on to me. She has, for the time being, given me authority to sell to consumers around the world.

IMPORTANT …We are not healthcare professionals. We are amazed by the personal results we have experienced with this product. We are required to add: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, nor are these statements or mentioned products intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements are for informational purposes only and are not meant to replace the services or recommendations of a physician or qualified health care practitioner.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Ingredients include: Lard, Onions, Olive Oil, Bees wax, and Pine Tar

**THIS IS A HOMEMADE PRODUCT AND HAS BEEN USED BY MY FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS - IT IS A NEW FRESH BATCH, HOWEVER IT IS NOT FACTORY SEALED OR PRODUCED- PLEASE REFRIGERATE UPON ARRIVAL**

NOT FOR CONSUMPTION!! - EXTERNAL USE ONLY!!

Grandma's Black Salve is made with love, from all natural ingredients. Although Grandma's Black Salve may help externally DO NOT use internally or inside the mouth. This product is made with non consuming ingredients.

SEE http://www.GrandmasBlackSalve.com OR EMAIL ME AT:

grandmasblacksalve@sbcglobal.net for more information.

I ACCEPT PAYPAL PAYMENTS AT: grandmasblacksalve@sbcglobal.net

[Pamela Cook]

All God's Creatures

With all the wonderful animals that have come and gone in my family's and my lives in mind...

Somewhere within sweet heaven's border
May not there be a wooded corner?
With bright green grass and flowers bloomin'
For loving hearts that aren't quite human.

For many have their life-blood shed
Some choosing to die in mankind's sted.
Asking nothing... without guile
Repayment in their master's smile.

Does God not want this then from us
Our lives led with such love and trust
Of course then they will to Him go...
Those that loved their masters so.

The old made young and the blind now see
To chase throught fields eternally
With joy there wait their master's call...
As here, on earth, should people all.

For in man's heart the Lord has spoken
The thread of life need not be broken
The message sent.. His Son, the teacher
"Into His arms go all good creatures!"

Pamela


I am so sorry for Bella and you, I am glad you have spoken out.

[Loretta DeMiguel]

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Bella. It is so painful at times to go on without the presence of our loved ones; I believe Bella's spirit is very much alive & well; her energy still very close to you...be still, go within, and you will surely "see"
her right there with you as always!
Two summers ago I began to get, what, at the time, I believed to be boils, under my arm. I ignored them. They became larger and more painful, and multiplied. Then spread to under the other arm. Finally, for relief, I began draining them of this horrid pus they contained. It would help a little, but more would appear. I became so angry at this "thing" that had invaded my body, that I grabbed my round loofah, my Dove soap, my micro dermabrasion(?) cloth, and my Seabreeze, and headed fo rthe shower. I soaped up the loofah, first with the Dove soap, and I began to scrub my underarm area. It hurt so badly that I saw stars, and very nearly passed out. But, out of anger, I continued to scrub. Amazingly the pain lessened...SUBSTANTIALLY! So, I proceeded to rinse with as high a temperature of water that I could tolerate. Very painful. Afterwards, I took my microdermabrasion cloth, and scrubbed with hot (very hot!) water. Still painful, but not as bad. When I was all finished rinsing again, I then patted full strength Seabreeze under my arms. Excrutiatingly painful for approximately 3-4 minutes. I then experienced total relief from the pain of this monster for the first time in almost 2 months! I then applied Neosporin and gauze and/or bandaids. Within 3 weeks, performing this routine daily (sometimes twice per day of they began to hurt or pus), they were all but gone! Two weeks later, only light scarring remained. And today, you could never tell I had them...ever!
I'd had a friend visiting just prior to this, who we have only recently (in the last two weeks!) been made aware of his having MRSA. And during his visit two years ago, he had it, not knowing what it was. He used my shower during his visit. I believe that is how I contracted it. But when I made my mind up, that this "invader" was too painful, and too time consuming to tend to, and decided to scrub it out of my body, it left me. I dreaded that loofah, and those showers! Initially, it was excrutiating, but little by little every day the loofah hurt less and less. And my underarms always felt better after each shower, even after the first excrutiatingly painful sensations.
I'll bet this method would work for others as well.

Maybe even our darling four footed friends! Like my Pearl & Ruby, two black & tan miniature Dachshund sisters who share my quarters, and my life.

You will see your Bella again, I am sure! Best of luck, am sending prayers your way!

best regards,

Loretta D.

[Kat]

Dear Jill,

I cried as I read about you and Bella. You have not only my prayers, but also my empathy.... I can relate to your traumatic experience on two major levels:

I know the pain of losing a furry family member due to infection. I also know the pain of MRSA firsthand: I've been suffering from this for 14 yrs. now, and yet I just found out THIS WEEK what has been causing these infections all of my adult life!

Tigger, a Shi'tzu who adopted me (he was an unclaimed stray), lived to be 19 yrs. old, and despite congestive heart failure and a heart murmur he was a very lively critter who, like Bella, fought to live. When he finally passed away three years ago, it was from a small infection on his eye. He survived less than 48 hrs. after his eye first appeared slightly puffy. Throughout his life the only sounds he made sounds were to talk to us, and he had a very unique vocabulary. He never barked (aside from talking to me while welcoming me at the door) and he never whined or cried. Not once. Those two days, however, his cries pierced our ears and our hearts.

What I didn't know then made my Tigger suffer needlessly. I have been having these infected boils/cysts surgically drained and removed since I was 21 yrs. old (I'm 35 now), many times a year every year. Each one is worse than the last: both in pain and in severity of infection. Each infection makes me more weak, both in mobility and immune system.

I'd had a boil/cyst surgically removed just days before Tigger's eye got puffy. He followed me everywhere I went, he only felt truly secure glued to me. So of course he slept on my bed, and of course I cuddled him constantly. Of course this is no way to diagnose him three years after the fact. But factor in my MRSA infection which was wide open and a very old dog who was weak albeit strong minded enough to have "pep" in him. Because no one had yet bothered to run cultures on my cysts and find out what was causing me to get so sick so often (several doctors said I was "just a cyst grower" and that was the end of any investigation!), no knowledge of how dangerous it could be to my loved ones being near me with my open wounds. (I was raised by R.N.s, so I know how to take proper care of my wounds; but obviously more caution needs to be taken with MRSA or anything of similar nature.) Needless to say, I am positive that Tigger contracted MRSA from me and that it was MRSA, and NOT "just" old age, that took his life.

My Huskey/Border Collie mix, Tama, is a rescue dog who was severely neglected; his life before coming to us was almost identical to the home from which you took Bella. He's a year and a half and now quite adjusted and happy in our home. (We've had him for five months now.) I am home alone this weekend, and I have an open wound from a MRSA-inflicted cyst surgery a week ago. This was the largest one I've had yet (larger than a grapefruit!), as well as the most severe SYSTEMIC infection I've had from this. Tama keeps coming to nuzzle me for petting, and I am afraid to touch him at all. I keep talking to him lovingly so he doesn't feel neglected, but he's disappointed that I'm not petting him. All I can think is, "What if I transmit this to him?"

Because the MRSA has to date only attacked me in the underarm region (the most common area along with the groin from what I've read in medical journals this week), they can stop my cysts from recurring with surgery: removal of the sweat glands and skin grafting to remove all of the scar tissue. It won't be "fun" but then again neither is having infections and surgeries three to eight times a year! So one last surgery is fine with me.

It doesn't appear very likely from what I've read so far, again in medical journals, that I will be able to get completely rid of the bacteria. Unless some information is still "hiding" from me, it looks like I will always be a carrier even if we can stop the infections.

So now I'm not only scared for my health. I'm also scared for the health of my family, and anyone who comes into contact with me. We know there's a good chance that my mom transmitted this to me, as she is an R.N. and was charge nurse in the trauma units when I had my first boil/cyst infection; so she was constantly exposed to anything one could imagine. I didn't *do* anything to get this, nor did whoever it was that transmitted this to me (which could have been at a grocery store for all we know). Yet I've been suffering with pain, weakness from repeated systemic infections, and dangerous levels of weight loss on numerous occassions. It makes a person want to shout as loud as humanly possible, "IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!"

Tama is both a housedog and a back yard junkie. (I leave the back door open during most waking hours so that he can come and go as he pleases; our landlord renegged on agreeing to us installing a dog door, so we make do best we can.;) He is still a pup, so he loves to look for mischief when outside; and he could have minor abrasions at any given time. Meaning that if I pet him and he has any exposed flesh, I could make him deathly ill.

This is what I've gathered so far, but again it's only been a week that I've known even the existence of MRSA, much less that I have it. Aside from common sense hygiene practices, does anyone have any advice as to how I can feel safe to let be close to me? I don't want to risk Tama going through what Tigger, Bella, or any other animal has endured due to this disease.

Now that I think of it, I am going to "cross" post this to petlovers.com and provide a link to your site; there always seems to be answers from the large volume of members, and the issue of MRSA and our furry family members needs to be addressed as widely as possible.

[JIM McGINLEY]

JILL,

I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOUR HEART FELT DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE TOUCH THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART. AS A SINGLE GUY WITH 4 DOGS, I CAN RELATE TO YOUR PLIGHT ONLY IN THAT I LOVE MY DOGS MORE THAN MOST ANYTHING. AND WHILE THEY ARE NOT HUMAN, THEIR HUMAN QUALITIES TOWARDS ME (THEIR DAD-LOL) ARE CLEARLY EVIDENT. I HOPE YOUR STORY AND OTHERS LIKE IT WILL BRING EDUCATION AND AWARENESS TO THE SITUATION AND PREVENT THIS FROM OCCURING. ITS SAD TO HEAR ABOUT HOW THE STAFF WAS AFRAID OF CONTACTING BELLA, ANY HEALTHCARE WORKER KNOWING HER CONDITION, USING UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS, AND BEING PRUDENT SHOULD HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS TREATING AND CARING FOR HER!!
A SAD STORY, HOWEVER JUST THANK GOD FOR THE TIME YOU DID SPEND WITH HER, AND THE MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY!!!
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART FOR HER!!
I HOPE YOU HAVE THE MIND FRAME TO GET ANOTHER DOG, NOT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF BELLA, THAT CAN NEVER HAPPEN, BUT TO CARE AND LOVE AN ANIMAL LIKE THE WAY THAT YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED WITH BELLA. WE NEED MORE CARRING DOG OWNERS OUT THEIR LIKE YOU AND THESE SOMETIMES HELPLESS ANIMALS NEED OUR LOVE AND DEVOTION!!
EVEN THOUGH A NEW DOG MAY NOT TAKE BELLA'S PLACE, THE NEW PET MAY SUPRISE YOU AND WARM & SOFTEN YOUR HEART IN DIFFERENT WAYS THAN BELLA DID!!
ALSO THE DOG MAY DEMONSTRATE CERTAIN TRAITS THAT MAY BE SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO BELLA'S, SO IT WILL ALWAYS BE A REMINDER THAT YOU HAD, AS ALL WE DOG OWNERS SAY:
"THE BEST DOG EVER"
AND THAT WOULD BE NOTHING BUT THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH!!!
PEACE, GOD BLESS AND GOOD LUCK!!!

[Kim Bloomer]

Just to let everyone know, the person who posted that rotten comment has had their comment removed. We won't tolerate that sort of thing here. I suspect it was someone obviously wanting to scare off people or just harrass Jill. It happens all the time whenever we want to share truths certain people don't want to have out in the open.

[Christina kennelly]

A REPLY TO MESSAGE POSTED M.R.S.A IS COMMON ON 2005 10 03 @ 12.01am.
I'm so disgusted in this persons attitude to the issue of dogs being infected with M.R.S.A, this sad excuse for a human beings parting words were "get a life and get over it". I'm living with the after effects of M.R.S.A and the pain and health problems it can cause, at least I can voice my pain and be heard, what chance dose a defencless animal have? i hope this person never has the misfortune of contacting the bug and maybe I'm telling a lie, deep down I hope they do get infected lets see then if they can get a life and get over it.

[Rachel Delicata]

I totally understand your pain. It took 10 years to bring myself to get another dog. When I got my new puppy I thought I had made a mistake as I had not really fallen for her. Three weeks later I took her to do chipped she yelped and I cried my eyes out infrount of the nurse. I was madly in love with the little thing and did not know it. She has not relpaced my dearist of friend but she is trying her little best. I hope you haven't given up on the idear of another dog as I had. Rio is the best thing I've done in a log time.

[Cindy Seabright]

I am so sorry you lost your friend. We have had our babies for 16 years. My Bambi has slept at my side every night for all these years. I do understand your pain. She had a fatty tissue removed about 2 monthes ago. She has not been acting like herself. I don't know why people can't understand the bond that grows. What I am troubled by is the fact that I went to the hospital Nov 6, 2005 for shoulder surgery. Within 2 weeks I was hit with MRSA. I was in the hospital for about 7 days for the MRSA. Then I fell in the shower and had to go back and have another shoulder surgery. All within 4 monthes. It was within that time frame that Bambi had surgery. I am having another outbreak right now. I do not know what to look for in her. It would break my heart if somehow I gave it to her. If anyone out there has any answers please write back. I would not be able to handle it if I have caused sickness to my beloved pets.
Cindy Seabright

[Tygermoon Foxx]

Sadly, the treatment for humans is no better. I just spent a week in the hospital, including surgery to remove infected tissue, because of a mrsa infection which my physician wrote off as a common boil and then allowed us to lance ourselves. During my hospitalization, my care was largely left to my husband. He was given no gloves, no antiseptic, nothing with which to protect himself, but there was no one else to do the job.

I'm sorry for the loss of your beauty and hope that in the future you'll find joy in other pets. I have an American Eskimo with some of the same qualities. I don't know what I'd do without her.

[cherrie hazlett]

I read the story about Bella and it breaks my heart---I'm very sorry for your loss. Last Thursday I was admitted to the hospital for what appeared a bug bite on the back of my leg I was there for 4 days well its been a week and the doc who admitted me said to find out if I have mrsa well no-one seems to have the tests results I am so scared. I admire the courage and love you had for Bella. Please take care.

[Virginia]

Jill - I am appalled to see this site, because my husband had MRSA a year and a half ago - 3 times actually, and I caught it once. We have 2 dogs and 12 cats, and I called my vet and SPECIFICALLY asked if animals could get MRSA, because of course we spent many uncomfortable hours cuddling with a pet. The vet told me they could NOT. I can't believe that what is supposed to be one of the better vets in my area could give such incorrect advice. Of course, we have found ourselves educating many people who SHOULD know better about MRSA. Thank you for this site!!

[anonvet]

Jill - I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I am a vet and would prefer to remain anonymous. I have worked in several practices around the country and the standard of practice certainly can vary. I am, however, pleased to say that everyone I have worked with was thoroughly committed to doing their best with the equipment available. If you want simple steps which will help reduce the risk of post-operative infections (notice i say reduce, not eliminate) I would suggest the following;

1- Ask whether the surgeons wear gloves, hat and mask for operating. amazingly in this day and age, some do not even wear gloves. Yes all this costs money, but realistically, probably 2 pounds per set.

2- Ask if the practice employs qualified veterinary nurses- VN's. Contrary to a previous post, only a nurse that has undergone a specific qualification can have the initialls VN after his/her name. This suggests a committment to having staff properly trained to a high standard.

3- Ask how long the vets have been with the company. A high turnover of staff may not be good for consistency of care. Ask if any of the vets have, or are studying towards, certificates or other advanced qualifications. This suggests a forward thinking practice that is more likely to be up to speed with current problems including MRSA.

4- Any practice principle that is proud of their surgery should be happy to let you look around the place. Be reasonable - vets are busy people, so you may have to come back at an arranged time, and also be aware that animals do not always cooperate by weeing and pooing at the right time and right place. However, if they do make a mess, the nurses or kennel staff should certainly clean it up as soon as they are aware of it.

I would like to reiterate that most vets really do care and want to do the best job they can. It's certainly not a job if you want easy hours or to make a quick fortune. I'm sure that likewise most will not mind me writing this as it is in all our interests to keep our standards as high as possible. If they disagree, please feel to reply, but sweeping under the carpet is not the way forward.

[Iain]

Just been told that my girlfriend has MRSA after a 10 week spell in hospital (no MRSA on admission) after being knocked down. She was discharged three weeks ago and readmitted this week after a plate in one leg failed. She is devastated because of what this might mean. The media hype MRSA has been given (like bird flu is getting now) hasn't helped. We have a dog too, could she have passed the MRSA onto her? Could I? Obviously, the hospital are playing the seriousness of this down and we genuinely don't know where the infection has come from. All I can say is, we'll have to wait and see what happens and hope for the best.

[Jessica]

I have a special kind of sympathy for your story. I myself became infected with MRSA after and orthopaedic surgery. It was hell. I lost almost 30 pounds in 2 months and I almost lost my leg and died. The doctors were so ignorant about the disease. They gave me a picc line with an IV antibiotic that didnt even work. 4 emergency surgeries and a 5 day coma-like state later, they finally were able to get me on the road to recovery. even now, about 5 months later I am so angry at the damage this whole ordeal caused. I am only 20 years old and im not even capable of running. I want nothing else than to ruin the infectious disease's doctor's career, I want revenge still. I lost a lot in this battle and it helps me feel for your story. I know what its like to go through it and I can only wish you the best in life.

Jessica L.

[Tanya Schofield]

hi ,
i am sat in tears after reading Bellas story OMG its a terrible thing you have been thru resulting in the loss of your precious baby .. i can only pass on my sincere condolances rip bella run free on rainbow bridge and wait for your mum :0)

i will be reading thru the rest of this site asap and i thank my magazine www.bullterriermonthly.com for highlighting this site

my best wishes go to you

bullie hugs and kisses from the bullyfield clan xxx

[Sabrina]

Hi Jill,
I am so sorry for what you and Bella went through. What a beautiful creature she must have been! And I am also sorry about idiots like "MRSA is common". People (I use that term loosely) like that are cruel and black-hearted. What a jerk! Those vets and their employees should have their practice shut down. I am an American nursing student who is going to clinical tomorrow to take care of a (human) patient who may have MRSA. That is how I found your website...I googled MRSA. After reading this I am having second thoughts about going into nursing. I love my animals (2 dogs and 2 cats) and will certainly be extremely careful about contamination. Thank you for the information. I wish you the best.

[Christina Jones]

Hi Jill--I attended the VoIP conference last weekend, and just wanted to let you know that as a huge animal lover and the wife of a survivor of MRSA septicemia infection, that I totally support what you are doing, and would like to help you out in any way that I can. I really didn't think anything was left about MRSA that would surprise me, but it was very eye opening listening to you talk about MRSA in the animal world, and I was just astounded by the absolute similarities that we face dealing with MRSA in the human world. I was saddened the most by your comments about your veterinarian refusing treatment to Bella after MRSA was diagnosed. That is so wrong and inexcusable, and it very much enforces my decision to promote awareness and education about MRSA. Please let me know if there is any way I can help you. I have been promoting your work on my sites (http://www.mrsaresources.com/ and http://www.superbugwiki.com/ ), and will continue to do so. I am focusing on Pets with MRSA in the Superbug Wiki in October, I invite you to stop by and add some information about your work. Thanks for all you are doing, let me know if there is anything I can do to help, and take good care!

[Marian]

I am so sorry for your loss Jill. I'm sure that Bella is always on your mind and in your heart. This makes her immortal in a sense. My Sugar-Buger has been lost to me for over 8 years now and I still mourn and cry at times. She knew me and I knew her. I will always miss her. I believe that Bella's time on earth was to awaken something in you and to help fellow canines/owners. You and Bella are making a difference. Public awareness and vet accountablity. My son was told yesterday that his boils were MRSA. I never knew that MRSA could pass from human to pet. I'm a RN...I had no idea. My older dog is not doing well. Believe me when I say that my son will not go near my Maggie. Thanks to you and Bella. BTW...there is someone from Childress Duffy Goldblatt, Ltd. who posted this
3) Leptospirosis or Lyme disease vaccination
(Research indicates these diseases are rare to non-existent in Texas and many other parts of the country.)
I have lymes, my nurse practioner has lymes, 3 other people on our road had lymes according to the health department. I live in Texas. Scary? My point? The public needs to research things instead of believing what someone says (does not say)or publishes. Help educate others by experiences. You have shown the importance of sharing your tragedy with us. Thank you. My heart is with you Jill. Bella too.
Much love,
Marian

[Julie Catalano]

Jill,what an outstanding website and touching tribute to your sweet Bella. You have certainly saved many lives with your dedication and hard work. Most people are not aware of what can happen to their pets at a veterinarian's clinic or "hospital" (some of them are not worthy of that name, but there are no laws to stop them). Here in the states we are fighting the problem of veterinary neglect and incompetence, as well as attempting to shed light on the closed door practices of the state regulatory boards, and it is an uphill battle as everywhere. Please know that your efforts are much appreciated, and that Bella's proud, strong, and loving spirit is right by your side every step of the way.

[Meg Curnick]

Dear Jill and other readers;
I and my colleagues would like to express our deepest sympathies to you regarding your lovely Bella. It must have been heartbreaking to have to watch her die in that way. I am a partner in a Veterinary hospital in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, (and a woman, and a mother, and a practitioner with 10 years experience, for the benefit of 'small animal vet' 23/12/04 post!), and Bella's case has alerted us to the dangers of MRSA. We have not had any cases in our hospital as yet, but given the prevalence of the bacteria in the community, and the unknown frequency in animals, we are highly alert to the risks. Our surgeons and theatre nurses have always adhered to the highest standard of sterility (gloves, sterile gowns, masks, hats), and our hospital has the same (or hopefully better) cleanliness standards as human hospitals. All inpatients are nursed to avoid cross-contamination, and the hospital and all staff are regularly swabbed for MRSA. There has been a lot of interest in Bella's case within the veterinary community, and the RCVS and BVA are publishing guidelines for greater awareness and prevention of this disease.
In the defence of the vets who performed Bella's op, the risk of postoperative infection is never zero even with the highest possible surgical standards - the risk is always there but should be negligible. And despite the rather misogynist comments from 'small animal vet' 12/04, he does touch upon a valid point - that high-quality veterinary care, staff, and premises cost money, and that as vets we are constantly battling to do the best for our patients against people who assume that because we charge realistic fees, we are money-grabbing and uncaring and all drive around in Ferraris. Hopefully more people will start to realize that cheap vet fees mean poor service, and will cover their animals with insurance so they can receive the best possible care. Pet ownership is a privilege, NOT a right!
In summary Jill, heartfelt condolences, and I can assure you that most vets are doing the right thing to combat MRSA.

Meg Curnick BVSc MRCVS

[Ginger Sanchez]

I cannot begin to express in words how my heart breaks for you on the loss of your beloved BELLA. I am not at all familiar with "MRSA" or even what the letters stand for with this term, but I can certainly identify with both the grief of your loss and the amount of deadly ignorance displayed by entirely too many veterinarians. By this e-mail, I invite you to visit my website: http://rimadyldeath.com as I can't help but wonder if BELLA had also been given one of the "NSAID" [non steroid antiflammatory drugs]such as RIMADYL, DERAMAXX, etc., which would have had the risk of compromising her immune system in fighting off the infection from surgery. Please feel free to contact me - I, too, am trying to provide information vital to pet owners in the hopes that they can avoid going through the same agonizing, but senseless/needless, loss that we've both experienced.

Ginger Sanchez

[mike]

I am sorry to hear about Bella's story. I know this is an English forum but I feel like the following websites can be of use and also the following lawsuit info can benefit Americans that may look at this site.
I believe that many of us have had our pets over vaccinated because
we listened to our vets erroneous suggestions. I know I did and had
two healthy dogs die in the past 10 months for no obvious reasons. I
have been told that one of my dogs went into CHF because of the
overload of vaccines each and every year as is standard but is wrong
protocol.

The following websites have lots of information backing this claim up.

www.critterfixer.com
www.dogsadversereactions.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/vetandpetunhealthcaremalpractice/
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/doghealth2
www.rimadyldeath.com

Critter Fixer Pet Hospital

Bob Rogers DVM

5703 Louetta Spring, Texas 77379

Dear Pet Owner,

The Law Firm of Childress Duffy Goldblatt, Ltd. of Chicago, Illinois,
has agreed to investigate and pursue a potential class action lawsuit
arising from the misrepresentation of the need for pet vaccinations.
If you have paid for pet vaccinations in the last four years without
adequate disclosures, please email the Firm at
petvaccine@childresslaw.net.

Every year over 30 thousand dogs and cats in the U.S. die from
adverse reactions from unnecessary vaccines. It has been ten years
since the article first appeared in the Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association entitled "Are we Vaccinating too
much?" in which and Dr Ron Schultz stated, "Clients are
paying for
something with no effect except the risk of an adverse reaction".

Since that time the American Veterinary Medical Association, the
American Association of Feline Practitioners, and the American Animal
Hospital Association as well as twenty- two schools of Veterinary
Medicine in the U.S. have endorsed reductions in the numbers and
frequency of vaccinations recommended for pets. More and more
research has confirmed that most vaccines are unnecessary and
potentially harmful. And yet 90% of the Veterinarians in the United
States have ignored these guidelines, and continue to give vaccines,
which have been proven to be unnecessary and potentially harmful.

My efforts in the last six years to promote change have been met with
frustration. I have written to every State Board of Veterinary
Medicine in the U.S. I have been before the Texas State Board six
times. After I appeared before the Texas Sunset Committee, a group of
12 Senators who over- see the State Veterinary Board, they ordered
the Board to crack down on unnecessary vaccines. They have not. The
Attorney General's office in Texas has agreed that it is unlawful
for
a Veterinarian to obtain a fee by the misrepresentation of the
benefit or necessity of vaccines. And yet the misrepresentation of
vaccines to the public and the harming of our pets continues
unchecked.

We need your help. I feel that a class action lawsuit is the only way
pet owners can get fair and ethical treatment for our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Attention Pet Owners

You may be a party to a potential class action lawsuit arising from
the misrepresentation of the need for vaccinations for your pets.

If, within the last four years, you have paid for any of the
following pet vaccinations without receiving adequate disclosure,
you may have a claim for damages. The vaccines include the
following:

1) Annual vaccination for canine distemper, parvovirus, and
feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calcivirus
(Scientific studies indicate that repeat administration of these
vaccines provides no beneficial effect.)

2) Corona virus vaccination.
(Scientific studies indicate dogs over 8 weeks old are not
susceptible to this disease.)

3) Leptospirosis or Lyme disease vaccination
(Research indicates these diseases are rare to non-existent in Texas
and many other parts of the country.)

4) Feline Aids vaccine, Feline Infectious Peritonitis vaccine,
or Giardia vaccine
(Scientific studies have shown these vaccines to be ineffective.)

If you have paid for any of the above vaccinations in the last four
years and would like information concerning your rights, please send
an email to:

Roy R. Brandys or John Sawin

Childress Duffy Goldblatt, Ltd.

petvaccine@childresslaw.net

Se Habla Espanol

[Nicki]

Jill..
I have been writing to you on here since Feb. when my dog Chance was first diagnosed with MRSA...He seems to be following alot of the same troubles Bella did...He had his surgery almost a year ago to fix the ligament in his knee...Last month after treating him for 2 months with antibiotics for the MRSA they opened his leg back up and took the nylon out of his knee thinking that he was allergic to it and that was causing his infections... They cleaned the wound etc....I am sad to say that after 2 weeks home after surgery his knee devolped another abcess on the inside this time and it looks to have a piece of ligament sticking out..They decided to culture it again and once again he is positve for MRSA and the other types of infection he had the first time...THis time he has devolped what I thought were hot spots on his neck he now has about 7 open sores on his neck and head ..The vet wants to try changing his meds again ... I am having such a hard time with this ...I think the MRSA and antibiotics are finally doing in his system...I have children in my home and we have been living with MRSA here for 4 months that we know...I would feel horrible if they got sick because I tried to save the dog...Between the 2 operations and all the runs of antibiotics for a year ..Moneywise things are to tight for me to go much further....I am finally at the point of considering putting the dog I have loved for 6 years down...I am heart sick over having to make a choice ..I live in the USA and nobody really has information on MRSA for my vet...I would love anyones input....thanks so much

[Kim Bloomer]

Again Jill, I am so moved by your story. After talking to you today, I feel as though I've known you and even Bella for a long time.

I went to the Bella Moss Foundation website and read through so much. I looked at every photo and then read all the comments posted by Bella's family and friends. I am so moved now that I am sobbing as I write this.

How could I not be a part of helping you bring awareness, education and knowledge to the world. Bella will be honored and this won't be in vain Jill. Rest easy my new friend and know that she will live on in hearts all over the world and will be the reason things change!!

[Jonathan]

Our beautiful siamese cat K2 who was a true member of our family and best friend to Tate, our Flatcoat Retriever, was run over during the night this last Friday.

I received a call from a member of the public early Saturday morning who found K2 and contacted me from the tag on his colar.

Tate and I raced to the spot where K2 was lying badly injured and I rushed him to Medivet in Stanmore. I was told that he would be taken to the pet hospital at Medivet in Hendon. An hour later I telephoned Medivet Hendon as during this time I contacted PetPlan, K2's insurers, to inform them of the accident. I was told K2 was fully insured and they wished K2 luck.

I then telephoned Medivet Hendon to confirm that I was coming along with K2's insurance documents and I was told that the estimated cost of looking after K2 would be between £1500 and £2000 pounds. I told them this was fine as he was fully insured and they should just go ahead and treat him imediately.

Whilst on the way to Hendon to see how K2 was doing and to get a prognosis of his injuries, Medivet called me on my cellphone to tell me that before they could treat K2 they needed a deposit of £890, which was approximately 50% of the estimated fees. I told them I was on the way with his insurance documents and they told me that didn't matter as it was their practice to always take a 50% deposit in spite of being fully insured. I wasn't a stranger at Medivet Hendon as they had looked after both K2 and Tate for the past three and a half years.

I was absolutely astounded by their callousness and I was obligated to hand over my credit card details and for them to authorise the sum of £890 before they would even to begin to treat my badly injured K2.

Upon arival at Hendon I spoke with a vet on duty who assured me that (now that they had received cleared funds from my credit card!) they were doing all they possibly could to save him. I then returned to Hendon at around 3pm that afternoon to see K2 again and to get an update on how he was doing. Upon arrival the duty vet told me that they weren't sure, despite having taken x-rays, whether damage had been done to K2's spine and that I should call them the following day to see if he had come out of shock and was able to use his back legs again; which was where he had been run over.

I left feeling quite destrought and felt no indication of sympathy coming from the staff behind the desk. A friend of mine had telephoned me and I advised him of the situation with K2, and he immediately threw up his arms in shock having learnt that K2 was being treated at Medivet Hendon and pointed me in the direction of your website. I quickly learned why my friend was in such despair and I immediately phoned Davies White and asked them if they would accept a referal to treat K2 from Medivet. I must say that I had no confidence in Medivet after reading your site and felt truly riled by their callousness towards me.
The emergency vet at Davies White was so helpful and understanding that he immediately arranged for a referral from Medivet to themselves.
I then telephoned Medivet to confirm it was safe to move K2 and after they assured me it was OK I collected him and drove with him to Davies White near Hitchen.
Upon arrival the staff appeared to be very concerned and the vet arrived to give K2 a thorough examination.
The difference between Medivet and Davies White was simply unbelievable. For the first time he was in the hands of someone who actually knew what they were really doing and who also really cared about K2 .... not just the money; and they didn't charge my credit card a single penny before they would treat him either.
They didn't guess at his injuries. They ran tests that told us exactly what his injuries were and what those injuries would mean to K2. Unfortunately, he was too badly injured and we had to make the painful decision to put him to sleep.
I am posting this message on your site as I really would like to warn people in the same tragic and heart breaking situation I found myself that not all vets operate in the same way, there are still some who genuinely care. Davies White followed up K2's passing on with sympathetic and helpful advice.

[Terry Williams]

Dear Jill...I am very sorry for the lost of your beloved Bella.
Reading your story about the horrible mistakes made causing the loss of Bella bought too mind the problems that i had last year with Medivet. Our little monster Rex (Yorkshire Terrior) was taken ill and i took him to the Medivet in watford as i knew where it was. The next day i was telephoned by Medivet in Hendon asking why i had not taken Rex to them..i explained that i knew where the Watford office was but they were very nasty about it.
I got Rex for my mother 2 years ago to keep here company but sadly 5 weeks ago mum passed away and we all were hit by the loss even Rex.
I had insurance cover for Rex with Petplan which was in my mums name, so i phoned them to change the name from my mum to me...i was told that that is not possible without a copy of the death certificate for my mum...i was devistated with this as it is just for our dog and was only 2 weeks after loosing mum so they can go and jump as i will get if from else were.
Best Wishes Terry

[jones]

good bless u both and thanks 4 the info! x

[Angela Baker]

Dear Jill,

What a loving tribute to your beautiful Bella. By sharing Bella's heartbreaking story you are educating so many people to the fact that MRSA is affecting our animals too. I lost my beautiful boy Chad (not to MRSA) and I run a support group for other owners who's dogs have the same disease that Chad had. Many of these owners opt for surgery for their beloved dogs and I have just popped a link to your site on my group just to make them aware of MRSA. Thank you so much for what you are doing. Bella will be smiling down at you from the rainbow bridge.
God bless you.
Angela Baker.

[PETS-MRSA.COM RESPONDS TO ROD TUCKER]

PETS-MRSA.COM RESPONDS TO ROD TUCKER
The points that Rod makes are pertinent, but there is irony in the fact that although he believes that the majority of vets are caring professionals, he won't take his pet, Fossie, to premises he hasn't inspected. Whilst we would agree that inspecting vets' premises is a really good idea, Rod is probably one of the few pet owners who would feel brave enough to ask. As things stand, there is no government or other agency that has the right to inspect vets' premises before an outbreak of infection, and we have been told by the Health Department, DEFRA and the local Public Health Office that MRSA outbreaks do not warrant intervention.
Professor Mack Johnston has suggested that we look behind the doors to find out how clean it is, but it would be good for Rod to tell us exactly how he goes about inspecting a vet's practice.
The RCVS is managing the Practice Standards Scheme, but this will remain voluntary for the forseeable future and no vet will be compelled to meet even its lowest standard.

[NIcki]

The 4 cases in this state I have been told today all have ownwers that work in hospital settings .. I am having a hard time believing that we could bring all this home to our pets...I know that you can carry MRSA on clothing but all 4 kinds of infections???

[PETS-MRSA.COM RESPONDS]

I'm so sorry that your pet has had to suffer four seperate infections following cruciate ligament repair. Bella was also infected with pseudomonas, and she too had to have the nylon suture removed because of the severity of the infection in her wound. How is it possible for a single wound, during a single procedure, to become infected with four seperate bacteria? We, and all pet owners, would really like to know.

[NIcki]

I wanted to give evryone the exact diagnosis that my dog has had...-
1) Staphylococcus aureus....MRSA
2) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3) Beta hemolytic Strptococcus sp.
4) E.Coli

I am hoping this will help people be more aware ..
Chance open his leg up again last night ....I am so hoping the antibiotics that he is on have kicked in ...He is having to go back in and have surgery again in a month ....Thay found that he is allergic to the nylon that they used to fix the tendon so tehy have to take it back out....This is the base of where the infections are coming from....I hope all goes well...

[Felicity]

As part of giving vet professionals indemnity insurance,and as you say 'most' are very caring individuals. Why do the RCVS not insist that only staff qualified and registered as Vet nurses can call themselves VN's. Other non-qualified staff being animal care auxilliaries. THe RCVS do not seem to insist that qualified VN's are employed by vet practices.

[Rod Tucker]

As an underwriter in veterinary professional indemnity insurance, I can assure you that the vast majority of the veterinary profession are genuine caring individuals. All professions, vocations or whatever have their poor practioners and it looks as the RCVS are waking up to this. See their website www.rcvs.org.uk for details of the latest disciplinary cases. All veterinary surgeons are required to have professional indemnity cover and if they can't get it because of a bad claims record, they can't work. I don't make it easy for them and there are not many places they can go to (I know of only 2 at present). My Collie/GSD cross (I never know whether she is going to act as sensible, obedient GSD or utterly mad Collie), Fossie, always goes to small, well-run, modern vets and I won't take her anywhere where I can't inspect the premises thoroughly.

[Nicki]

I want to say Thank You!!! so much for writing your story...My dog was diagnosed with MRSA last week ...He had an ACL repair in his leg 9 months ago...Kept having small infections and being treated with antibiotics...I was told to really not worry....I am sad that the vets are not informed about this....He seems to be doing OK ...but time will tell....

[mimi]

Hi
I have a small dog. She is a lahsa apso(I think I spelled that right) I have had her for 12 years. she is old and going blind.. She is a house dog and loved very much. She is tooken care of very well. My brother is in love with her. He will come to get her to spend the night with him and she will bark and jump up and down and can't wait to get out the door with him, she knows english.. sometimes I have to spell things so she will not know what I am saying!! (like "BATH" she hates a bath) anyway I am on dialysis, and when I get a infection it is MRSA.. I just got over a spell of it. How do I keep from giving it to her??? It would kill me to know I gave it to her and she died from it!!! Please let me know. Most people will not e-mail me back, but this is very important to me.
Thanx
mimi
mimi37130@hotmail.com

[Marie Colicchio]

Is a sad sad state of affairs for both humans and animals to be put inso much danger at the hands of both vets and doctors. I have always said a hospital is a good place to catch something. How many times have I heard of people going into the hospital for one thing and catching pneumonia and dying. Animals are less safeguarded because they cannot tell us what is wrong. Vets can test for a hundred things while the dog is slowly dying. I once had a dog who had surgery at the famous animal clinic in New York City. When I picked up the dog after surgery she was covered with feces, she had been in a small cage during recovery and I guess no one had bothered to clean the dog or the cage. CLeaniness in hospitals is the number one most important aspect of running a hospital. Without it the mortality rates skyrocket, and the deaths are never related to the infection that killed the person or animal. A hospital should be germ free and as clean as a whistle. This is not the case. My dogs have never survived in the care of vets. After surgery I think it is a better idea to care for the animal at home. The same goes for the human population, get the hell out of a hospital as soon as possible. They are great places to get sick in!

[Carol Bebb]

Dear Jill
I wish you the very Best and my prayers are with you. I have three dogs and five horses and just love everyone. I did not know that MRSA ran in pets and was looking it up on Google because we have had some out breaks in the US and came across your article and just had to read it. I lost my Holly ten years ago and I thought that pain would never go away. I still remember her, now, with a smile instead of a tear. Your Bella was Beautiful, like my Holly. God has a "Special Place" for our Friends and I know she is happy. Some day I hope you'll remember her with your smiles again. My Holly was hurt by someone and I had to put her to sleep, which made it even worse, like your case. I hope Justice is done. God Bless
Carol Bebb, Ohio

[Felicity]

Interesting, if depressing, comments on the state of the veterinary profession, after a 30 year career. The gap between public expectaions and the reality?. Promoted by the media glowing representation of the profession?. If the 'golden years' for the profession are going to die with those trained 40 years ago and who are about to retire, why?. Has the profession been allowed to stagnate. The idea that the problem stems from more females in the profession, can not be the reason, the profession seems un-able to maintain standards. Any more than young male graduates who want to travel the world and want only highly paid locum work. Many professions have previously been tradionaly gender based, have they ever blamed lowering of basic standards on females having babies, wanting career brakes. If the public where told how low standards can be at some vet practices, with comparative prices, and services. Perhaps pet owners would be able to make better, more informed decisions about where to leave their pets. For example if, no qualified nurses are employed, no night staff, only one locum vet on call. Why am I expected to pay a 3 figure bill for over-night care?. I'd surly take my pet home.

[Small Animal Vet]

Unfortunately I must remain anonymous. The story told here is obviously disturbing, and certainly it is important to check out your vet's reputation - Medivet certainly does NOT make the grade here. But you must realise that to carry out surgery in the same fashion as for humans (gowns, masks, doing routine swab cultures etc. etc.) will simply place the cost of doing it out of most peoples' reach. Surgery at a 'specialist' centre now costs 3 times that at your local vets - and I speak as a practice principal of 30 yrs experience in a London suburb. We had Hospital status, we had VNs (qual.vet nurses), but the cost of maintaining these became so prohibitive, along with the govt's. Health & Safety regulations, that we had to drop both. The only reason that veterinary surgery has 'worked' in the past is that you could do almost identical ops. (where appropriate) as for humans, but at a FRACTION of the cost. If your suggestions are implemented, then the costs will escalate.
More importantly, you should pressure the govt. to ALLOW sex discrimination in the vet profession. There are now far too many women (80%), and they only stay active members for about 7 years - hence the GP vet is becoming less and less experienced, and simply unable to do many routine ops. themselves. The great advantage for vets trained in the 60s (90% male) was that most of them are still in the business, & have accumulated loads of practical experience themselves. However, they are forced to employ young ladies only 2-3 years qualified, and who have no real interest in staying in the profession for more than a few years - or alternatively, employ foreign locums because although we train more ourselves than before, most of them retire early ! The obvious attractions of starting and enjoying a family will pull them away by the time they are in their early 30s.
Personally I am ALMOST looking foward to retiring in a few year's time - I don't think that the profession is sustainable in its present format, as the costs are increasing rapidly, the staff's experience dwindling at the same rate, and insurance costs going through the roof to finance it all - but of course, it won't.
Sorry to hear of your hassles at Medivet - this ISN'T typical, but it IS symptomatic of the times the vet profession is living in. Further regulation will only help IF you are prepared to accept a very large increae in fees, plus the taking over of individual practices by large corporate concernes. But the single most important factor would be a rethink on the University selection criteria being used (now ) to select the vets of the future.

[Jan]

My husband is very ill with an undetermined medical diagnosis to date. My father-in-law has MRSA. John is undergoing tests, had to take a leave from work, and MY Bella, an 8 pound doxie, has had to visit the vet, twice in the last 2 months. Her glands swell, she won't eat, and is not herself. She's on her second antibiotic and has improved, but I feel that her exposure to John, has made her ill.

We just adore our Bella, and if something happens to her, we'll both die with her. I just hope that the specialists come up with the proper treatment for John. He went from a very healthy guy, to a very ill individual. Bella lays next to him on the bed, and it is comforting to him, of course. I am worried about John and Bella.

The story of your Bella, just killed me. God love you, friend. You have many prayers going out to you. I can promise you that!

[Marie Viscardi-Freyre,RN]

Dear Jill, I am writing from Long Island, NY. I am an RN who was looking up MRSA because my brother is badly infected. His surgery was botched up and if not for us speaking out and transferring him to another hospital, he would be dead. So I can certainly understand your painful disheartening experience. Your dog is happily playing somewhere else, though you cannot see her, she can you, and know that love never dies, her love lives through you. My condolences on your loss, Marie

[amy]

Lizi (14 month old cat) was bitten by a (fox/cat) she was taken to the Medivet in Replingham road SW18 for the abscess, the vet said he can either just squeeze
it out or drain it with some equipment (pump?), he said that he very pushed for time and that he would try to fit Lizi in before the end of the day if not he'd do it first thing the next morning.

He gave me a call later that afternoon to say that he did operate on Lizi and she was ready to collect. He decided to cut in and squeeze out the puss. The receptionist said that they’ve been rushed off their feet and just finished Lizi (this concerned me that they were rushing an operation).

They gave her back to me with antibiotics and still totally drowsy and covered in poo, upon wiping the poo from her bottom I noticed that she did not like me touching her bottom.

Upon brining Lizi back for a check up, I showed the vet that she had cloudy eyes, he said this was puss and sent me to another branch of Medivet for a second opinion, the second vet in Richmond Medivet said in his opinion this was Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) (a fatal incurable illness).

I did not feel confident in Medivet’s treatment so I took Lizi to the RSPCA where they said it was not FIP but the infection had spread from the abscess on her back (which had healed) down to her bottom and hind legs, after 2 weeks they said she had to be put to sleep.

My biggest concern is that the first vet said that he could either just squeeze the puss out or drain it with a pump to avoid the infection running down the leg, but he decided to just squeeze it out and the infection did run down to her bottom and hind legs and
that second bout of infection was so bad that the RSPCA said she had to be put to sleep. Secondly I did not like my cat being operated on in a rush and both the Vet and the vet nurse/receptionist admitted that they were rushed.

[Elsa]

Jill - I read with heartfelt interest your latest statement with regard to how you are dealing with Medivet and peoples comments regarding poor Bella's past illness history. I fully agree with you that her past history does not in any way directly link to her death but, and please I ask, don't take this the wrong way, if Bella had been ill previously even if some time prior to this unfortunate incident then may be, just may be, her immune system was not 100% and if there was MRSA she would have been more prone to catching it.

Our thoughts are with you for losing Bella.

Elsa

[julie]

I have had been in the hospital 4 times this year for MRSA and I have yet to be over it and I have to tell you that I love your pet sight it is very motivating for people who are ill. I have 2 small children and I am in collage, I have made it threw this fall and I hope I can this spring. I am glad god has given us people like you, and remember he knows why everything happens.
with love, Julie

[Elsa]

Jill - I thought I'd put this posting here as well as on the mrsa watch site - just in case you haven't had a chance to read all the comments.

Just browsing through the web looking for information on MRSA when I came across this site and in particular the information you put on about Bella. It is extremely difficult coping when we lose one of our much loved animals. I've owned many dogs throughout my life and always felt devasted when one of them has been put to sleep. One of my dogs died whilst at the vet surgery being too ill to come out of the anaesthetic and the vet was wonderful, almost apologising. What were your previous dealings like with your vet on other occasions.

Elsa

[Felicity]

December issue of magazine Dogs Today, covers Bella and Jills tragic story. It also carries an article by Carolyn Menteith who tries to explain with the help of Crufts Vet Trevor Turner why MRSA is now a potential health hazard for 'our' pets. Besides skin infections which have become resistent to anti-biotics. The Sunday Telegraph 29.8.04 suggested that it may be in the interests to keep patients within an 'ill category'. Does it also seem that vets for whatever reason also draw as many animals as possible into that 'ill category', vets need to have 'bonded clients', financially vets need repeat business. That is what Carolyn Menteith seems to have found.

[debs]

hi jill
i heard you on LBC this morning and just had to look at the site. my puppy had emergency surgery and stitches last wednesday after cutting his paw on glass whilst out walking. its terrifying to think that animals can now also get MRSA thanks for bringing this to my attention

[Steve James]

Just want to say that this story is deeply upsetting, from the point of view of anyone who has ever had a pet.
Horrific reports of animal cruelty, and negligence are not uncommon, but I believe most people feel certain, that the Vet, is the one person who cares for your family friend, nearly as much as you do! So, people trust their vets. After all, for what other reason would a person enter that profession?!
Yet from this site, and the many other incidents that i have heard of, it seems clear that some people in the Veterinary field, have little to no regard for the care of their patients. Whats more distressing, is that these are not isolated incidents. There are many examples of gross negligence, and mistreatment by Vets, all around the UK, and in fact the world!
I have recently moved to Australia, only to see a prime time news report, regarding a British Vet's negligence, and unfair treatment! (I refer you to: http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/story/?id=17079 for more information)
The reason that Bella's story angers me the most, is that cross contamination is THE biggest concern, in any laboratory, or surgery. Although I realise that it is nearly impossible to completely prevent contamination in a surgical situation, if the standard precautions had been taken, I dont believe this website would be here.
I have a background in science, mainly microbiology. Even in uni, every time you enter a lab, you must fill out a COSSH analysis(Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health), to identify all the potential dangers, and areas of potential contamination. You are required to conduct yourself properly in the lab (no hand to mouth actions, all skin covered, goggles etc). Even chewing gum in a lab, is a criminal offence, due to the possibility of spreading disease!! This is the case with a Uni microbiology laboratory, so I cannot understand, how a veterinary surgery, would not have to abide by these laws, and more, considering they are performing open surgery?!
Its one thing to lose a pet. Its quite another to have one killed for no good reason! I hope that the negligent vets, get what they deserve. I also hope that the RCVS is held accountable, for its ignorance, regarding complaints.
I feel for the Nurse in the previous post, as i do believe that some people do enter this field, because they love animals. However, the actions of a few, always tarnish the majority. The RCVS' "old boy" mentality of covering up for your mates must stop. There must be an avenue for complaint, independant from the profession because, until people inside the profession are willing to speak out against their colleagues, this will continue. It is determined people like yourselves, that take action, and try to raise awareness, for which, you have my full support.

dear jill,
sorry to hear your sad story. i myself am a veterinary nurse and we recently had a patient with MRSA. we have strict barrier nusing and although strict we give our attention and love to the animals in our care. i played a big part in the nursing of this patient which prevented me entering the main hospital away from our isolation unit. only myself and another nurse were nursing this one patient and the other nurses remained on normal hospital duties. even though there was the risk of MRSA our prority was the animal in our care. he has since made a full recovery and our practice is free from MRSA, regular swabs are taken to check. i would just like to reassure you that not all practices are the same and that we are in the job because of our genuine love for the patients in our care and we are here to do our best for them.
best wishes.

[DAVID BAINES]

Dear Jill

There is absolutely nothing anyone can say or do to alleviate the suffering that occurs when anyone looses a beloved pet. Bella was beautiful and the loss for you and the heartache you experienced seeing her suffer must have been unbearable. Grief and pain affects a person mentally and physically, and can have long lasting effect. My wife and I, unfortunately, suffered similarly when we lost our greyhound called Thomas.

Obviously, Bella was not just an animal, she was a cherished member of your family and the trauma experienced can be on the same level as a human bereavement. The feelings of sorrow, guilt and anger still are prominent in our lives when we think of our wonderful brave dog that was brutalised, tortured and literally murdered by an evil criminal masquarading as a veterinary surgeon. I am sure you have similar feelings, because your ordeal was equally devestating.

It seems the more you love an animal the more you suffer. Four years have passed since Thomas died, and if you are like me, you ask, "What has my poor dog done or what have I done, for this to happen?" Unfortunately, there are no answers; only questions.

I do not wish to upset you by telling my story in detail, but making people aware of what is going on in the veterinary world is important.Do not look for support from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, because you will be disappointed. My belief is that they are nothing more than an exclusive club that protects their own membership. I was refused a Disciplinary Hearing six times, but I was persistent. I did not realise that I was going to be the principal actor in a farce that should have been presented on a West End stage. They cleverly hid up the evidence and eventually let off, probably the most notorious vet (Mr Laurence Swift) in the country.

Laurence Swift left my greyhound in a garden all night suffering with a broken back after my dog fought off an intruder. Swift pumped illegal drugs into the dog to make him suffer more pain. He eventually collected Thomas the following day and left the poor dog in a cage for two days and a night without any medication. He never once examined or cleaned Thomas out. In fact he left Thomas dying, rotting in his own urine. I had to literally break into the surgery to get to Thomas. I immediately decided to ring a veterinary hospital to collect him, but while I was on the mobile I heard my wife scream. I rushed into the room to find Swift dragging my dog across a courtyard shouting the dog is faking. I tried to grab Thomas, but he fell against the wall and I heard the most enormous crack; his back seemed to be in two pieces. I shouted, "PUT HIM TO SLEEP, YOU........". My wife said, "I TRIED TO STOP HIM, HE PULLED THOMAS OUT OF THE CAGE BY HIS TAIL AND BACK LEGS." She then fainted. Swift admitted to all of this at the RCVS, but was let off.

Swift has faced over 30 Preliminary Investigations and 9 Disciplinary Charges. Eventually, after killing and torturing many more animals he has been suspended for one year. WHY WAS HE SUSPENDED? He was suspended because he inflicted a sexual attack on a twelve-year-old schoolgirl while she was asleep in bed; nothing to do with veterinary. The RCVS even helped him to avoid a prison sentence.

Jill, I believe the only way to get anywhere is to make people aware and that is why during the last two years, I have managed to get the misdemeanours of this so-called veterinary surgeon in the public eye. Swift has been front page in many papers and my campaign has been highlighted in the press and television over 30 times. I am fortunate, like yourself, that I have friends in the media

Please do not think I have forgotten in this letter the bravery of Bella. Animals cannot talk, they have to suffer in silence. I have dealt with 20 brutal cases of cruelty inflicted on defenceless animals by Swift. I could not help all the people who came to me, because I am only human. However, Jill, if I can be of any help to you please let me know. I will give one of my mobile numbers for you or anyone who wishes to contact me. Mobile No: 07708446160.

Be brave, Jill it will get better in time.

BEST WISHES (DAVID BAINES)

[Rosemary Tether]

Hi Jill

Another very sad story regarding pets and vets. It really is about time someone with some clout started to listen to The Action Group and their call for changes.Then,just maybe,pet owners could guarantee that they get the service that they pay for and believe they are getting now but most importantly the service the pets deserve.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Bella

Regards
Rosemary

[Felicity]

Dear Jill,you must be very brave and strong,to be able to tell your story. How brave Bella must have been, how loved she was by so many. By telling your story I hope you can raise awareness that sometimes veterinary care can go very badly, wrong. That when this happens it is very difficult to get any sort of explaination or accountability from the vet or the profession. Vets are not regulated by an independant body in the UK. There are no standards set that are enforcable, by the RCVS.They are about to introduce a 'voluntary standards scheme'. Which means that an owner has really no idea of the standards of cleanliness, nor even if staff have been trained, when you trust your pet for treatment at a vets. Well done getting onto the Jeremy Vine show, owners need to know the risks when taking their pets to the vets. I wish you every success. Bella was a beautiful much loved dog, you obviously did everything you could for her, and still are. Kind Regards Felicity