Staph Infections & Your Pet

Image of pet hair loss and skin infection.

You may have heard of MRSA infections in people discussed in the media in this last year. Otherwise known as Staph or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, this type of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics. People infected with this dangerous bacteria can become quite ill or even die if an effective antibiotic cannot be found.

MRSA can also occur in dogs and cats. Staphylococcus aureus tends to occur in people while Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi tend to occur in pets. They are cousins of the same harmful family, but any of the types of Staph can occur in people or pets.

Symptoms of Infection

Staph infections usually occur in the skin or ears, but many types of bacteria or yeast can infect these areas. Skin infections can appear as pustules (little pus pockets), scales, hot spots (moist, yellow to green discharges in the skin) or broad red areas in the skin. Ear infections usually cause reddened canals, discharge, odor, and you see the pet shaking the head or scratching at the ears.

Diagnosis of MRSA

Your veterinarian can determine what kind of infection is present. A test where the doctor takes a sample and looks under the microscope such as a skin or ear cytology is commonly performed. This can help determine if the symptoms are an effect of a yeast infection, bacterial problem, or both.

For reoccurring skin infections, or serious infections, a culture should be performed. The only way to determine if an infection is MRSA or a relative is to perform a culture. Your veterinarian will take a sample with a swab and send it to an outside laboratory. Usually three to five days later a report will detail the type of bacteria and, most importantly, list which antibiotics should work. Commonly 15 to 20 antibiotics are tested.

Treatment of MRSA

Treatment usually consists of an appropriate oral antibiotic for at least three weeks, frequently for four to eight weeks, sometimes longer. Occasionally all the antibiotics that can be given orally are resistant, and injectable antibiotics may need to be given. Topical medications, such as chlorhexidine rinses are applied to the skin as well.

Most cases are resolved by this treatment but occasionally a "stubborn" case occurs. If this happens, your veterinarian will take another culture. Sometimes bacteria will change their spectrum of susceptible antibiotics as they are being treated. They can become resistant to the antibiotic being used.

Call to schedule your pet's wellness or urgent care exam now: (952) 758-6722

Testimonials

  • We have been clients of New Prague Animal Care for over 13 years. They have provided exceptional and compassionate care for our “pack” (6 dogs and 3 cats). As a professional dog trainer, breeder of Best in Show and Master Hunter Retrievers as well an owner of multiple kennel/ doggy daycare facilities (30+ years), I have worked with numerous veterinary clinics both in the Twin Cities and nationwide. Dr. Steve and his crew rate among the finest I have worked with. The clinic has all of the fea

    ...
    Show More - Kathryn N
  • My dad has taken all of his dogs there for years, and I take mine there as well. Dr. Lavalle's bedside manner is amazing, and his staff are so genuine and caring. I always have, and will continue referring people to take their pets here. They are hands down the best veterinary care in the area!

    - Amber C
  • Have taken our dogs to Dr. Lavallee for over 10 years and he is great with each of them. He and his staff are very caring and helpful.

    - Barb S
  • Middle of a snow storm a few days ago. My little puppy was injured. I live in Faribult. Vet offices were closed in town. They actually called me while in route to see if I was ok. They were so good with the puppy. The cost was very reasonable. Called today to see how everything was going. I really was very impressed with this office. I recommend this place.

    ...
    Show More - Wendy E
  • Awesome experience! My pets love the care they get from Dr. Lavallee and his staff! They are not just a number; they care for them like my babies are family! Would highly recommend them!

    - SGGM
  • Found a 6-wk old kitten on the side of the highway and brought it in at 7pm on emergency basis. I was blown away by the compassion of Dr. Johnson's team. What a great experience. True animal people!

    - Anna H
  • Moved to New Prague and found this place for our dog.. Such great service, friendly staff, amazing Dr. and very accommodating to all of our needs!! Highly recommended by my pet family!!!

    - Kerri N
  • We love New Prague Animal Care, they are always so kind and caring, from the phone calls to when you walk in. We take our Siberian Husky Bandit in and he gets so much attention, well loved. We've had to take him in twice for emergencies, the in house testing was great, Dr. Johnson was able to resolve the issue almost immediately. I wouldn't take him anywhere else.

    ...
    Show More - Myra C

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

CURRENT HOURS

We are open M/W/F 8am-6pm, T/Th 8am-8pm, and Sat 9am-Noon.

Monday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

Our Location