Staphylococcal Infections in Dogs
The Staphylococcus bacteria can live free in the environment, on the skin of a host as a parasite, and in the upper respiratory tract of animals. The bacteria can be transmitted easily from animal to animal and in some cases from animal to human. This infection can be found in any breed of dog, and at any age.
Symptoms and Types
For dogs, other common indicators can include wound infections, toxic shock syndrome, abscesses on the skin or mouth, and arthritis.
Younger dogs are most prone to developing this infection, as their immune systems have not fully developed. Old dogs are also more susceptible, as their immune systems have become worn down. Other causes can include bacterial or fungal infections (pathogens) of the blood, chronic debilitating diseases that wear down the immune system, allergies, and other secondary infections.
Your veterinarian will conduct a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Proper diagnosis will often involve skin testing to determine if the condition is caused by allergies or other immune related causes. It is also important to rule out abnormal cell development as an underlying cause of the condition.
upper respiratory tract
The section of the respiratory system that contains the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and epiglottis.
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A disease of the skin in which it emits pus
Something that causes itching
The ability to create a disease where a disease might not normally be found, usually due to an ill timed or unlikely weakness
A medical condition in which the joints become inflamed and causes a great deal of pain.
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells