Can I get an infection from a dog scratch
What to Do If a Dog Scratches You
Many people know about cat scratch fever, but can a dog scratch be just as dangerous? Although you are less likely to contract severe illness from a dog scratch, there is still a possibility of it happening. If you are scratched by a dog, heres what you need to know.
Potential Infections Can Occur from a Dog Scratch
Dogs walk on all four feet and dig in whatever they can find, which means dog nail beds are very dirty. They can harbor all sorts of bacteria and fungi that can readily infect humans through broken skin, including tetanus. Dogs also lick their paws, transferring bacteria from the mouth onto the nails. This can, in rare cases, infect humans with MRSA or bacteria called Capnocytophaga if the scratch breaks the skin.
What About Rabies?
Can I get rabies from a dog scratch? is a popular online search. Even though it is highly unlikely that a human will contract rabies from an animal scratch, it can still happen. The virus that causes rabies is spread through contact with saliva or brain tissue from an animal infected with rabies, but it cannot penetrate unbroken skin. If a rabid dog with saliva-covered nails scratches a human, theoretically infection can occur; however, most dogs are vaccinated against rabies and are not at risk for infection. If your dog has had contact with a rabid animal, take additional precautions and seek veterinary care immediately.
How to Treat a Dog Scratch
Animal scratches may seem harmless, but they can turn into serious infections if the skin is broken. Puncture wounds may look the least serious, but they carry the highest risk of severe infection. If the scratch is bleeding heavily, apply pressure with a clean towel until the bleeding has stopped. Once the bleeding has subsided, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for three minutes. Clean and dry the skin, and then apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage. Make sure to check the scratch for signs of infection, which include increased heat, redness, swelling, pain or red streaking on the skin. Monitor the wound for at least 72 hours, and if you experience any of those symptoms, seek the attention of a medical professional immediately.
WRITTEN BY
Sarah Wooten, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists,...
Bartonella Infection in Dogs
What Is Bartonella Infection in Dogs?
Bartonellosis, commonly known as cat scratch fever, is a bacterial infection that dogs and cats can get in their bloodstream. It is carried by fleas, ticks, lice, and sand flies. It can cause fever and inflammation of many organs in the body, including the heart. Bartonella spreads from these bugs and parasites.
The infection has a higher prevalence in the South than in other areas of the United States. Worldwide, cats are found to be more commonly infected with the bacteria than dogs. However, dogs that are used for hunting and herding and live outside or in rural settings are more likely than indoor dogs to be exposed to parasites that carry bartonella.
Symptoms of Bartonella Infection in Dogs
Dogs that are infected with Bartonella may show signs of:
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore muscles; difficulty getting up or reluctance to run or jump
Nose irritation such as discharge and/or nosebleeds
Digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea)
Inflammation of the heart (coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting)
Causes of Bartonella Infection in Dogs
The bartonella infection is spread through bites from fleas, ticks, sand flies, and lice to their hosts. The host animal can then spread the infection to people if they scratch or bite a human, making it a zoonotic disease. This is known in humans as cat scratch fever (even though it is not always transmitted by a cat scratching a humans skin). It is less common for a human to get infected with Bartonella from a dog, which could come from a bite.
There are six species of Bartonella known to infect dogs (B. henselae, B. vinsonii, B. clarridgeiae, B. elizabethae, B. washoensis, and B. quintana), but the most common is B. henselae, the strain that is responsible for cat scratch fever.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Bartonella Infection in Dogs
Once a veterinarian performs a complete physical exam, they may recommend a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, and urinalysis. They are checking for signs of infection and inflammation and the effects on the bodys organs.
Blood testing is the best way to diagnose bartonellosis in a dog. These tests are sent to veterinary diagnostic labs.
IFA (immunofluorescence antibodies) testing is useful for detecting exposure to Bartonella. Cultures can also be done on blood and affected tissues, like lymph nodes or even heart valves in the case of infections causing endocarditis, inflammation of the heart.
Endocarditis is best diagnosed via an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. Preliminary tests such as blood testing for general infection, an EKG, and chest X-rays can be done with your general veterinarian prior to referral for the echocardiogram if needed.
Treatment of Bartonella Infection in Dogs
The good news is that bartonellosis can be treated with antibiotics. A 4- to 6-week regimen of doxycycline, amoxicillin, or enrofloxacin has been shown to be effective in treating the infection. Because of the long course of treatment with antibiotics and the desire to prevent antibiotic resistance, treatment is primarily recommended for symptomatic animals only.
Recovery and Management of Bartonella Infection in Dogs
Symptoms of bartonellosis in dogs usually resolve after 2-4 weeks of treatment. Mild swelling of the glands and generalized fatigue could continue for months, though this is uncommon.
Prevention of Bartonella Infection in Dogs
There are no vaccines to prevent bartonellosis. Good flea and tick prevention, which can be recommended by your veterinarian, is important in preventing this disease. It is also important to monitor your dog when they are in areas where these bugs are native or prevalent, and removing any visible fleas or ticks is always a good preventive measure.
Humans who are immunocompromised should avoid rough play or being bit by dogs at risk for being infected with bartonella. Puppies, who have sharp teeth and can do more nipping and biting, can be a source of infection, especially to immunocompromised people. There is no documentation that humans can be infected directly via a tick or flea.
Bartonella Infection in Dogs FAQs
Is a bartonella infection fatal to dogs?
Bartonellosis is rarely fatal in dogs. The most severe cases are those that cause severe inflammation of the heart.
Can bartonella infection in dogs be cured?
It cannot be completely cured, but it can be brought down to subclinical levels. It is recommended to treat infected dogs with antibiotics, especially if they live in households with immunocompromised humans. The likelihood of transmission of the bacteria from subclinical carriers of the bartonella bacteria is unknown, but a lower risk to humans is presumed if the dog is subclinical.
References
Lashnits E, et al. Study Evaluates Accuracy of Tests for Bartonella Infection in Dogs, Addressing Big Gap in Veterinary Medicine. University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, July 2021; http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/study-evaluates-accuracy-of-tests-for-bartonella-infection-in-dogs/.
For Veterinarians, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 2020; http://www.cdc.gov/bartonella/veterinarians/index.html.
How Likely Is Bartonellosis in Dogs? Galaxy Advanced Micobial Diagnostics, November 2019; www.galaxydx.com/bartonella-prevalence-in-dogs.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Chalabala
WRITTEN BY
Stephanie Lantry, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Lantry is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin native.She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and worked towards that...
Dog Eye Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Although smell is your dogs primary way of experiencing the world, your dogs vision is also important. Maintaining good eye health is essential for your dogs comfort and well-being. If your pet is suffering from a dog eye infection, its a major concern. Eye infections in dogs can quickly become serious and lead to severe complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an eye infection to ensure speedy and targeted treatment for your dog.
What Are the Signs of a Dog Eye Infection?
Just as with people, a dog eye infection occurs when something, such as bacteria, invades the tissues of the eye. Dr. Chantale Pinard, associate professor and veterinary ophthalmologist at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, specializes in dog eye infections. Eye infections can present with many symptoms, especially related to type and duration of infection, Dr. Chantale says. The number of clinical signs will increase with the severity of the infection and possibly the duration.
Recent infections that are less than 24 hours old often exhibit symptoms such as:
- Excess tearing
- Excessive winking or blinking (depending on whether the infection is in one or both eyes)
- Prolapse (popping out of the corner of the eye) of the third eyelid (the membrane that comes from the inner corner of the eye)
- Yellow-green discharge from the eye
- Pawing at the eye or keeping the eye closed
Chronic infections may exhibit signs such as:
- Yellow or green discharge from the eye
- Slight winking/blinking or keeping the eyelids closed
- Prolapse of the third eyelid
In addition, your dog might have red or pink in the whites of their eyes or around their eyelids, light sensitivity, or swollen eyelids. Although not all dogs will exhibit these behaviors, they are clear indicators that something is wrong.
What Causes Dog Eye Infections?
There are many causes of eye infections in dogs. One of the most common is an abrasion (ulcer) or scratch of the cornea, the clear part of the eyeball that the dog sees through. Corneal abrasions are often due to trauma. Trauma can include when the dog rubs at their eye, a grain of sand enters the eye and scratches the surface, or a thorn or stick cuts the cornea as the dog rushes through the bushes, a particular risk in hunting dogs. Another common cause of corneal abrasion is shampoo getting into a dogs eye during a bath. Dr. Pinard advises prompt veterinary care in these cases.
Dr. Pinard states that another common cause of dog eye infection is dry eye syndrome, officially known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Although veterinary care is necessary, its not considered an emergency like corneal abrasion. However, the sooner your dog starts receiving medication, the better their response to treatment will be. This disease can start off slowly with more eye sleep goobers in the morning or can be acute due to a reaction to a medication or if it was missed inadvertently at the beginning of clinical signs, says Dr. Pinard. The signs correspond to a lack of tears and the accumulation of mucus. This mucus usually turns green/yellow due to an overwhelming number of bacteria that were not flushed because of a lack of tears.
Although its not as common, Dr. Pinard explains that infection of the eyelids can also lead to an eye infection in dogs because the eyelids are in close contact with the eyeball. Usually the eyelids will be swollen, red, and may have lumps or bumps that rupture into skin ulcers. These cases should be seen within a week of presenting symptoms.
Differentiating Between Dog Eye Allergies and Infection
If your dog has allergies to pollen or dust mites, for example, it can cause clear discharge from the eyes and redness, which can look like an eye infection. But allergies can also cause conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucus membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the eyeball.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, outlines a general rule of thumb for telling apart dog eye infections and allergies. If only one eye is affected, the cause is likely infection or inflammation. Because allergic situations are systemic, both eyes could be affected.
Dr. Pinard says allergic conjunctivitis is another common cause of eye infection in dogs, especially after swimming in the dirty water of a pond. The pink tissue around the eyeconjunctivabecomes irritated and red. This can lead to increased tearing and blinking. Veterinary care should be sought in the first 24 hours, as this condition can lead to increased trauma to the eyelids due to rubbing.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
The treatment for eye infections in dogs depends on the cause. Topical antibiotics are warranted for corneal ulceration, and the choice of antibiotic will depend on the severity, Dr. Pinard explains. For dry eye symptoms, artificial tears will help when given three to four times daily. But what is really needed is a veterinarian-prescribed tear stimulant that will promote natural tearing. For eyelid infections, a veterinarian will prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Thats why taking your dog to a veterinarian is key when you see the first signs of a possible eye infection. Your veterinarian will take a history of symptoms and conduct a comprehensive eye exam for diagnosis and prescription of appropriate treatment. This goes beyond looking at the eye with instruments, Dr. Pinard says. It also includes ocular tests that will confirm a diagnosis. These tests include a measurement of the tear productionSchirmer tear testand fluorescein stain uptake, where a dye is placed on the cornea to detect ulcerations. In some cases, the measurement of eye pressure may also be needed.
Can You Treat Dog Eye Infections at Home?
Dont attempt to treat your dogs eye infection on your own with human medications or with medications previously prescribed to your dog. Dr. Pinard explains they may not be appropriate for the current infection and could even worsen the condition. Should the eye infection not resolve in twenty-hour hours, then veterinary care should be sought out. Unfortunately, the eye can be very unforgiving, and infections can easily get out of control fast, so prompt veterinary care is recommended.
Give your dog the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, whether that be administering eye drops or oral medication. Dr. Pinard also advises placing an Elizabethan collar or cone on your dog to prevent your dog from rubbing at their eyes, further traumatizing them. Appropriate treatment gives your dog the best chance to recover with minimal complications.
Until you can get to the vet or emergency vet, Dr. Klein advises that you consider flushing the eye using a cotton ball saturated in lukewarm water and gently squeezing water to help rinse the eye.
How to Prevent Eye Infections in Dogs
The best way to prevent dog eye infections is to avoid trauma to the eye and the invasion of foreign particles. Trim bushes around your yard, keep your dogs fur around the eyes trimmed and clean, and prevent your dog from sticking their head out the window of a moving car.
Dr. Pinard also suggests applying artificial tears before and after a walk on windy days to help your dogs eyes flush foreign bodies like sand. Finally, consider commercially available dog goggles to protect your dogs eyes in potentially harmful situations.
