Animals & MRSA

Questions & Answers

Pets MRSA has been answering questions on MRSA in animals for over 5 years. Here are some of the most common questions and the answers we've discovered.

What is MRSA and how does it affect animals?
How did my dog become colonized with MRSA?
Are some animals more MRSA prone than others?
What are the MRSA challenges for dogs with dermatitis issues?
What kinds of treatment are available for animals with MRSA?
Should I isolate my mrsa positive pet?
What can you do at home to help your MRSA infected pet?
What should I be asking my vet about MRSA
What is known about MRSA in cats?
Is it possible for dogs to be decolonized?
Is there bedding that will help a animal with an MRSA infection?
If family members and/or pets are mrsa positive will a newborn catch it?
Is clothing and other household items an MRSA problem for pets?
If my pet is MRSA positive will I catch it?
Will my MRSA positive pet contaminate my home?
What is known about MRSA in horses?
How long does MRSA stay alive on surfaces
Handwashing is effective in thwarting household MRSA - what's the best method?
Will my pet get MRSA if they eat infected bandages?
What is good infection control practice for Pet Visitor animals?
How can I choose a good vet
Where can I find scientific evidence about MRSA and staph in animals

Got an MRSA Pets Question? Use the comments box below and we'll try and help you

Editorial

PETS-MRSA.COM COMMENT

MRSA in pets is now entering the mainstream of veterinary awareness, and if anyone doubts that they only have to look at the comments coming from the BVA during the first couple of weeks of April. In response to a press release from the Bella Moss Foundation, BVHA President Bob Partidge voiced ‘great concern’ and said that the profession had to adopt best practice in operating procedures, followed almost immediately by BVA President-Elect Dr Freda Scott-Parker telling everyone that ‘the alarm being generated is completely unnecessary’. So that’s alright then.

Bella - it was a human strain of MRSA

Link: petsmiles

The UK’s first recorded dog to die of MRSA had a human strain of the disease, it is revealed today.

In an alarming development for millions of pet owners, a leading independent microbiology laboratory told Jill Moss of Edgware, Middlesex, that 10-year-old Bella, her beautiful white Samoyed, must have become infected during surgery. Bella had contracted a particularly resistant strain and the surgeon “most probably was colonised and not wearing a mask”.

More at the link above

Antibiotics? I Think Not

Link: Antibiotics? I Think Not.

The reason is, since antibiotics have been so widely overused, superbugs have emerged that are leaving us vulnerable with no recourse - UNLESS your immune system is strong because you and your pets have been eating natural diets, using whole food and natural supplements, and exercising, so that your body is protected naturally.

Read the whole article for information on how to help you pet avoid antibiotic failure issues

April Update

APRIL UPDATE

Visit to Idexx Laboratory  - Wetherby

In March we were invited by Mick Rich and Larry Roberts to visit IDEXX laboratories in Wetherby. IDEXX Laboratories have carried out extensive research into the subject of MRSA in companion animals. We were able to tour the labs and see how a variety of bacterial organisms are cultured and identified. Mick and Larry spent a great deal of time explaining the types of MRSA that are prevalent in companion animals, and were able to describe the process by which each strain is identified. Since that visit, Larry and Mick have agreed to put together a piece for the website on useful things to know about MRSA strains and the complexity surrounding its transmission.

Anyone looking at the homepage of the Bella Moss foundation website (www.thebellamossfoundation.com) will see a brief item about the press launch that went ahead at the end of March. This provided a tremendous opportunity to meet Professor David Lloyd of the RVC and his wife, Eve. We were able to discover how closely we think regarding MRSA as an issue and will be meeting him and his team in the near future to discuss research and other clinical issues.

Whilst you are at the Foundation website check out the new testimonial page, which is from pet owners who express their thanks to us for out help with getting their pets over MRSA. We are pleased to inform you all that every case we have come into contact with (all dogs) are now doing well. Sadly one announcement on the forum from a pet owner we do not know has reported his dog has died due to MRSA and for that we are truly sorry.

Vet TIMES 8th April

THE BVA has branded fears over MRSA in pets "completely unnecessary".

UK news reports have stated that the hospital superbug - most commonly associated with humans - is on the increase among domestic animals. However, BVA president elect, Freda Scott-Park, assured pet owners that there was no need for panic, saying: "While MRSA has been isolated from a variety of domestic animals it is important for people to realise that the incidence is still very, very low." Over the past two to three years, only 10 to 20 cases have been reported in the UK annually - a number far removed from the figure of "100 dogs per year", reported in some popular tabloid newspapers.

A number of stories emerging in the press have focused on MRSA awareness campaigner, Jill Moss, whose 10-year-old Samoyed, Bella, died of the superbug following surgery last year, becoming the UK's first recorded MRSA dog fatality.

Our Dogs April 8th

Vets are to be issued with new guidelines in an attempt to fight the spread of MRSA following a warning that incidents of animal infection are climbing.

Last week the British Veterinary Association warned that the number of cases would continue to rise and urged its members to take precautions. Freda Scott-Park, president-elect of the BVA, said the association wanted to ensure vets were aware that the bug can transfer between humans and farm herds or pets, particularly dogs.

She said young, old and sick animals could be particularly vulnerable to the bug. Dr Scott-Park said there were no proven recorded cases of MRSA jumping from animal to human. "We are far more concerned that it passes from humans to animals. That is the more likely path," she said. A set of guidelines issued to vets will include a call to use sterile gloves, masks and scrub suits during all operations.

The BVA's warning came after the issue had been highlighted in the media by Jill Moss, a dog owner whose Samoyed Bella died of MRSA infection contracted during a routine operation at a veterinary hospital as reported in OUR DOGS March 11. Ms Moss, 34, of Edgware, North London is now launching a campaign to educate pet owners and vets about the risks to animals.

Animal Welfare Web Sites

Chad - the story of one dog that has helped many others. A website is in memory of 'Chad'  who ided of syringomyelia. For advice contact Angela Baker on the above link
Russian Bear - the story of a much loved Black Terrier
Animal Aid - Animal Aid campaigns peacefully against all animal abuse, and promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle.
AspenBloom Pet Care - Seeing Your Pet's Good Health Bloom!
Astrolyka.com - Please visit this website to learn about a terrible condition that affects dogs called Sebaceous Adentis and read the story of Linda who has helped her Samoyed  Lelly overcome this terrible disease that suppresses the immune system and causes degeneration and infections

Actress tells how MRSA took life of her dog

Link: Life Style Extra.

An actress who lost her beloved dog to MRSA has been "swamped" by emails from pet owners around the world after launching a campaign to warn animal lovers of the dangers that lurk in veterinary surgeries.

Jill Moss, who has starred in EastEnders and The Bill, launched the campaign after her ten year-old Samoid Bella died a "slow, undignified and brutal" death in August last year.

New this week

Our Dogs - article on MRSA and BVA
Vet Times - Article on BVA and MRSA fears
Life Style - Article about Bella and the circumstances of her death
Animal Welfare Web Sites - a list of helpful sites
Health & Safety - respond re Vet complaint