Staff Infections and Our Pets

Staff is everywhere.  It is a normal occurring bacteria that live on the skin of you and me and our pets.  Then why is it such a problem for some pets and not others.  The problem occurs when it is introduced and starts growing in an open wound or an area of the skin that has been weakened by disease and it is not being killed by our normal immune system.  Excessive scratching is one of the main reasons pets get staff infections. 
 
There are two types of lesions.  One type begins as a red area on the skin with a pimple-like pustule in the center. The other type is a circular, reddish area with a crusty edge and hair loss in the center. (Sometimes confused as ringworm).   Your pet may suffer from itchy, yellow pustules and there may be an odor coming from the wound.    
 
The trunk of the body is most commonly affected, but you will also find it on the chin and between the toes.  When on the chin, people will sometimes mistake it for acne, when in fact, it's a deep bacterial infection.  Dogs like pugs and bulldogs, which have deep skin folds are sometime affected and special care needs to be taken to keep their skin clean.  Some people choose to have corrective surgery to eliminate the problem.
 
If your pet has reoccurring staff infections, look for an underlying cause as the staff infection is usually a secondary to another disease.  Your pet may have parasites, allergies, hormonal disorders or a week immune system.
 
Once diagnosed by your Veterinarian, your pet may be treated with antibiotics and steroids.  Treatment usually last three to six weeks.  Antibacterial shampoos and ointments can also be helpful to bring about rapid control of the infection. 
 
Remember, that a staff infection is an underlying cause of another problem.  I would seek out a holistic vet to treat the underlying cause or you will be on a continuous viscous cycle of antibiotics and steroids.  These drugs can lead to other problems after prolonged use which includes weakening the immune system, hence creating the ongoing cycle of staff infections and harmful drugs.. 

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