Hope in a panic

[Hope]

Hey all!

so that blister I mentioned to y’all the other day has turned into a full hard lump under the skin of Steve’s lip. I noticed it tonight — it’s got very well-defined margins. It feels like it might be “pop able” but I am freaking out. I’m going to bring him in first thing in the morning but I’m so upset. I’m trying to remain calm because it was where that blister was.. I’m hopeful maybe it just is pus-filled or something maybe? Anybody have any experience with this?! He’s only been on MMF for less than a month but I know cancer is a possible risk with that med.  Panicking!!!!

Hope

[Patrice]

Hope,

I am so sorry to read this. You must be very frightened.

I am suspicious that this is a staph infection. Many dogs will develop these skin infections when they are on high dose prednisone because this drug is being given specifically to suppress the immune system. Chance would get them and he was constantly on antibiotics.

We all have staph bacteria on our bodies. We throw off infection all the time without even knowing we did because we are healthy. Steve’s immune system is not in a condition to do the came thing.

Staph infections usually look like a reddish spot that has a yellowish exudate.

If you can get a very good picture of this, upload it via the photo uploader and I will take a look.

my best, patrice

[Hope]

Hi Patrice!

Thank you for your very quick response — I uploaded 2. It is kind of flat, the color of his inner lip and hard to the touch.

As I said before it’s in the spot where he had a blister forming the other day.. I’m hoping it’s just a cyst or something maybe? Or even a staph infection.. I’ll take that!  I’m absolutely in a panic.

Thank you so much!

hope

[Hope]

It’s not that pronounced if you’re just looking at it — I was pulling his lip up and trying to get at an angle where you could see it clearly.

[Patrice]

Hope,

It’s a bit blurry, but I think it looks like staph.

“There are two typical Staphylococcal 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. The latter can easily be confused with ringworm or yeast skin infection. Finding either of these skin patterns in a dog that is scratching is highly suggestive of Staphylococcal dermatitis.

Confirmation can be made with bacteriological cultures or skin biopsy.”

Yes, you do need to see the vet. They will probably take one look and confirm this is staph. You will be given an antibiotic.

What you can do at home. Keep everything clean. Wash the spot with gentle soap and dry it carefully. Wash your hands carefully before and after touching him to avoid spreading it around his body or to yourself. If you see other areas forming, trim the hair away and keep them clean and dry. Wash bedding carefully with hot water.

Don’t let him near family members who may also have a compromised immune system.  Avoid having visitors over or other dogs.

Some strains of staph are quite mild and respond to antibiotics quickly. There is one particular strain, MRSA, that is not mild. It can become serious. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are the best approach.

I wish I could say that you should keep him from irritating the spot but that is unlikely unless you take round the clock guarding shifts to stop him. Avoid foods that might irritate the skin. If all else fails and he will just not stop bothering it you may have to put a cone on his head. Messing with it will just spread it.

my best, patrice

[Hope]

Hi Patrice!

thank you so much — I immediately jumped to the worst thoughts imaginable!! I’m bringing him in first thing in AM, so like 6.5 hours from now. We have another dog — stinky Jeffrey. He’s been having an on and off ear infection for a bit, which I am treating. I don’t really know how to keep them apart — I do try though as much as possible and they are never really alone together.  I did see Steve lick his ear last night… I was across the room and he got a good few in before I could stop him. Granted this was after I noticed the blisters appear.

I haven’t seen any exudate — is that always seen with staph?

Thank you again!

Hope

[Hope]

I wanted to also say that he’s not really bothering with it — does it always irritate them?

Hope

[Patrice]

Hope,

They are probably sharing the same bacteria then, back and forth.

Chance’s staph spots were red, oozed a little yellow exudate, the hair came off in that round area and then they dried crusty. Once they cleared up the skin was hairless and shiny. Giant Schnauzers have hair not fur and their coats behave more like human hair when they are on high dose prednisone, they just lose their hair in spots.

But that is just one variation, you can see the quote above indicating that some staph  looks similar to a hard pimple.

This isn’t life threatening and you will be at the vet’s soon enough. The harder part will be finding an antibiotic that he will be able to tolerate. Make sure you go over all the details about what they give you so you know what side effects to look for. Not all antibiotics are easy on dogs. Give the whole prescription, don’t stop if the skin looks better.

my best, patrice