Staphylococcus aureus is usually harmless but in susceptible patients can cause severe skin infections, pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome. The strain MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), is dangerous because it’s highly resistant to treatment with conventional drugs. This can cause internal infections in vulnerable patients. Abscesses causing fevers, pus and pain can develop.

 The most common way our dogs contract this is through surgery.

Unfortunately, my own dog contracted this scary and dangerous infection after she had acl surgery for one of her knees. The bacteria enters the dog’s body by way of catheters, surgical wounds, feeding tubes or invasive medical procedures. With dog health care being so advanced today, you would think this cannot happen. However, with people and pets, it is a very real possibility. Continue reading →