Jumat, 19 Agustus 2011

What You Can Catch From Your Pet - Skin Diseases


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Dogs, cats and modest mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs are favorite companions for a number of consumers, frequently sharing their dwelling environment. Being in such close get in touch with, it is perhaps inevitable that in some cases illness is transmitted from pets to their owners. Though the illnesses discussed in this write-up can have an effect on any individual, immunocompromised people such as infants, the elderly or those who are HIV+ require to be extra careful. This write-up looks at skin diseases of dogs and cats that can present a risk to their owners.

Basically, considering the significant number of men and women interacting closely with small animals on a daily basis, the overall risk of contracting illness from a pet with skin illness is remarkably low. In general, keeping pets clean, cost-free from parasites and wholesome, as nicely as very good personal and household hygiene such as suitable hand washing, will minimize the risk of catching a illness from your pet. Yet, many people belonging to risk categories (the immunosuppressed) need to have extra specific suggestions.

The improve in pet travel, and the occurrence of breeders sourcing stock from overseas, has produced the risk of exposure to new illnesses a small greater. The most popular skin illnesses transmissible to humans that happen in dogs and cats are sarcoptic mange (scabies), cheyletiellosis (mite infestation), fleas and dermatophytosis (ringworm). In general, young and newly acquired animals, specifically those from animal shelters, are most likely to be affected by these illnesses. Below we look at every single of these diseases much more closely.

Flea Infestation

Given that the reservoir of fleas is predominantly in the environment, and jump onto the human from there, one might argue that this is not strictly transmitted from the animal. Nevertheless, it is introduced into the household by the animal and for that reason falls into this category.

The flea will readily feed on humans and can trigger a marked hypersensitivity reaction in some people. In addition, fleas can transmit other illnesses, such as cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and plague (Yersinia pestis). Normal flea manage with veterinary recommended spot on remedies will maintain the environmental population of fleas low, and reduce the risk of bites.

Sarcoptic Mange

This is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and can affect a quantity of species. Different strains of the mite do tend to prefer different species, and the most widespread one which affects dogs and foxes only has an estimated 20 per cent opportunity of transmission to humans. Prolonged skin to skin get in touch with is the principal route of transmission, with the disease presenting as an itchy rash with modest red spots. Frequently, disease in the human will clear up of its own accord, when the dog has been treated appropriately with a medicated shampoo or spot on drug. Occasionally, humans could want their own treatment though. It is really essential to treat all in get in touch with dogs as well. As opposed to fleas, these mites do not tend to survive for lengthy in the environment so reinfection is rare once the dog has been treated.

Cheyletiellosis

This can be caught from dogs, cats and small mammals such as rabbits or guinea pigs. Mites can survive in the environment for many days. Humans are only transiently infected, and create itchy spots. Proper therapy of the affected animal, and the in contact animals, resolves the predicament.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

This is essentially a sort of fungus, not a worm as the name suggests. The most frequent type in dogs and cats is Microsporum canis. Transmission is sometimes by direct get in touch with, but spores can stay infective in the environment for many months. Dogs and cats could possibly be carriers of the disease without having showing any signs of it themselves, even though acting as a source of infection for their owners.

In dogs and cats, infections with ringworm usually resolve by themselves given time, unless the animal is immunocompromised (e.g. on steroids). Still, treatment is suggested so that the risk of transmission to humans is lessened. Dogs and cats are in most cases treated with a topical answer of itraconazole, when affected humans are usually prescribed an anti fungal cream to apply to affected areas.

Otodectic Mange (Ear Mites)

These mites trigger ear infections in dogs, cats and ferrets. They can, rarely, impact skin outside of the ear, and this has been reported quite often in humans. It is nonetheless rare, and quickly controlled by treating the affected animal with a particular acaricidal spot on drug (e.g. selamectin, moxidectin) or topical ear drops.

Malassezia Dermatitis

These are yeasts often identified on typical skin in dogs, cats, humans and other species. Skin illness occurs as a reaction to the yeasts overgrowth and the hosts reaction to it. Transmission to humans has only ever been documented in immunocompromised consumers, and the risk of infection is low.

Staphylococcal Infections

Staphylococcal pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) is popular in dogs, but not in cats. It quite often occurs secondary to another disease and usually involves the bacterium Staphylococcus intermedius. Contrast this to humans, where the major trigger of bacterial skin infection is Staphylococcus aureus, and it is clear that the risk of transmission to humans is rather low.

Mycobacterial Infections

Tuberculosis poses a risk to human health. The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis can infect both cats and humans, and pass among them. The disease presents as nodules, draining tracts or non healing wounds, or as respiratory disease. Urgent medical and veterinary attention really should be sought, though the incidence of pets passing it to their owners is especially low.

Feline Poxvirus Infection

Cats get cowpox infections by getting bitten by voles and wood mice. Hence it is only outdoor cats that are affected, namely those that hunt. Many affected cats do not show any signs of illness. Transmission to humans is rare, and can trigger painful skin nodules.

What can immunocompromised people do to reduce the risk to them?

Firstly, a risk assessment really should be carried out. Beneficial communication is necessary in between the medical and veterinary professionals involved. The objective is to sustain disease free status in the pet, whilst practicing thorough hygiene measures by the person. Getting immunocompromised does not mean you can't have a pet, but the following points should be taken into consideration:

1. If acquiring a pet, make positive it is a healthy one, vet checked and not from a source rife with illnesses.

two. Safe feeding practices

3. Avoid your pet coming into contact with contaminated material from other animals (e.g. feces)

four. Vaccination annually

five. Good worming control (each and every 3 months in adult dogs and cats)

6. Superb flea prevention (often monthly for spot ons)

7. Very good dental care (brushing your pets teeth, dental chews to keep teeth clean)

8. Common common wellness checks by your veterinarian

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