A bizarre local bacteria to keep tabs on??

[Alex]

Thought it might be worth starting a thread to post any further information or experiences anyone has had or might have with a dangerous bacteria that recently made itself known from somewhere in our greater backyard, but even the Vet is not positive where it came from or how to avoid it.

I am fostering and now nursing a surrendered dog who contracted an extremely wierd, rare and fast spreading flesh eating bacteria. Vet #2, a 72 year old who finally correctly diagnosed it says it's the 2nd time he's seen it. It started with a sudden bad limp for no apparent reason, was not correctly identified the next day by Vet #1, and within days spread down a leg and into the stomach needing two operations to eradicate.

It was suggested to likely have been from a venomous spider or snake to which humans would be just as vulnerable. Not sure what else to suggest to look out for, but FYI the dog was walked on leash in both Armstrong and around Spring Lake shortly before showing symptoms. It's not like he got very far into any off-trail brush.

It's so extreme, just thought it would be a good idea to put out a warning and have a place to share any similar experiences and keep tabs on any proliferation.

[Shandi]

I think Barry should allow this in Community category. This could effect any of us, not just dogs.

[Beverly Schenck]

Please keep Waccos' dog lovers posted. We all adore our dogs, and something like a bacteria that spreads so quickly is extremely scary. Thank you for this information. How is the dog now?

Thought it might be worth starting a thread to post any further information or experiences anyone has had or might have with a dangerous bacteria that recently made itself known from somewhere in our greater backyard, but even the Vet is not positive where it came from or how to avoid it.

I am fostering and now nursing a surrendered dog who contracted an extremely wierd, rare and fast spreading flesh eating bacteria. Vet #2, a 72 year old who finally correctly diagnosed it says it's the 2nd time he's seen it. It started with a sudden bad limp for no apparent reason, was not correctly identified the next day by Vet #1, and within days spread down a leg and into the stomach needing two operations to eradicate.

It was suggested to likely have been from a venomous spider or snake to which humans would be just as vulnerable. Not sure what else to suggest to look out for, but FYI the dog was walked on leash in both Armstrong and around Spring Lake shortly before showing symptoms. It's not like he got very far into any off-trail brush.

It's so extreme, just thought it would be a good idea to put out a warning and have a place to share any similar experiences and keep tabs on any proliferation.

[meherc]

Please keep Waccos' dog lovers posted. We all adore our dogs, and something like a bacteria that spreads so quickly is extremely scary. Thank you for this information. How is the dog now?

Can you provide more information, like the name of the vets so we can do more research?

[meherc]

And please , anyone who is caring for an infected dog, remember to protect our other animal friends and keep the infected animal inside and isolated. It sounds like the best place for this dog is with a rescue group, who have the meds at hand and knowledge of progression of illness, and work exclusively with one vet who will do the research and at a discounted price. of course, if the individual can afford
to pay for treatment themselves, more power to youl

Thought it might be worth starting a thread to post any further information or experiences anyone has had or might have with a dangerous bacteria that recently made itself known from somewhere in our greater backyard, but even the Vet is not positive where it came from or how to avoid it.

I am fostering and now nursing a surrendered dog who contracted an extremely wierd, rare and fast spreading flesh eating bacteria. Vet #2, a 72 year old who finally correctly diagnosed it says it's the 2nd time he's seen it. It started with a sudden bad limp for no apparent reason, was not correctly identified the next day by Vet #1, and within days spread down a leg and into the stomach needing two operations to eradicate.

It was suggested to likely have been from a venomous spider or snake to which humans would be just as vulnerable. Not sure what else to suggest to look out for, but FYI the dog was walked on leash in both Armstrong and around Spring Lake shortly before showing symptoms. It's not like he got very far into any off-trail brush.

It's so extreme, just thought it would be a good idea to put out a warning and have a place to share any similar experiences and keep tabs on any proliferation.

[Alex]

Please keep Waccos' dog lovers posted. We all adore our dogs, and something like a bacteria that spreads so quickly is extremely scary. Thank you for this information. How is the dog now?

Thanks for asking. The operations completely eradicated the bacteria and left big healing wounds making good progress but that may take months to regrow what was lost. He's getting daily peroxide splashes and expected to only need two more weeks of antibiotics. The dog however, is as active, happy and raring to go as normal and we're back to daily long walks and and trying to give the wounds as much fresh air as possible.

Hopefully it was a fluke recluse bite which is always present but rare for any human or animal to contact. The only next step to take, why I started this thread, is to keep tabs on any proliferation to have more data on exactly what else and/or where...

Lots of unanswered Q's about Staphylococcus Pseudintermidius Necrotizing Fasciitis and/or other necrotizing bacteria and human/dog crossover issues. So far, very rare at least.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684055/