In this study, we investigated whether cephalexin is effective in treating MRSA in dogs. We assessed the signs and symptoms of MRSA in dogs, as well as the causes of this infection.
To answer the question “Can Cephalexin treat MRSA in dogs?“, we have provided detailed answers to these questions. Continue reading to learn more about this drug and its benefits. In addition to reducing the risk of relapse, cephalexin is an effective treatment option.
How to Treat MRSA in Dogs?
Despite the fact that MRSA is a growing problem, it doesn’t always need medical treatment. Healthy dogs can colonize the bacterium without treatment if they live with a low-risk family.
However, if you suspect your dog is infected, consult a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can test for MRSA by swabbing its nasal and perianal areas and by checking for skin lesions.
Also do not rely on routine MRSA tests because many animals test positive for this infection without actually being infected.
Systemic antibiotic therapy is necessary when topical treatment is not successful. Because bacteria can develop resistance to certain antibiotics, culture and sensitivity testing are required to determine the appropriate drugs for treatment.
Topical therapy is recommended for dogs with superficial pyoderma as the treatment may allow the bacteria to eject their resistance genes and revert to susceptible states.
Shampoos containing 2% to 4% chlorhexidine produced by quality veterinary pharmaceutical companies are the best choice for this treatment. They should also contain emollients to prevent drying out of the skin.
Signs and Symptoms of MRSA in Dogs
While MRSA is rarely transmitted from humans to other animals, it is still an important disease to avoid. Pets with active MRSA infections can transmit bacteria to people by direct contact with the infected area or by touching contaminated objects.
Since colonized animals often carry the bacteria in their anus or nose, it is important to clean hands after touching them and sanitize them after picking up feces.
Dogs with open lesions, abscesses, or wounds are at greater risk for MRSA infection than healthy dogs.
Aggressive antibiotics can cure colonized animals, but it is important to keep the infected area clean and sterile. Dogs with open lesions may require lancing or daily wound care.
While aggressive antibiotics can cure the infection, if not treated properly, your pet could become infected and die.
What Causes MRSA in Dogs?
If you have recently seen news stories about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), you’ve probably wondered: what causes it and how to treat it? In most cases, dogs contract this infection through contact with people.
If you’ve seen the outbreak in humans, you know that this bacterium is deadly and needs a comprehensive approach to treatment. Dogs are increasingly afflicted with related bacteria, but they’re rarely as visible as humans.
Dogs can get MRSA from humans by coming in contact with infected dog feces, wounds, and other body fluids.
This bacterium is often transferred from pet to pet through kissing, licking, or other methods. It can also be passed through direct contact with an infected wound or site.
The most important way to prevent MRSA from entering your dog is to practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after touching your dog.
Can Cephalexin Cure MRSA in Dogs?
MRSA is a gram-positive coccoid bacteria and is caused by many different species of microbe. The most common staph infection in dogs and cats is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
This bacteria is often passed from pets to humans through skin-to-skin contact. It is even possible to pass MRSA from your pets to humans if you share bedding or clothing.
MRSA in dogs usually presents as a skin infection. It can take the form of pustules, which are red and have a center surrounded by a scale. Other types of staph infections appear as small red bumps called papules.
Papules are most often located in areas with less hair. Labrador retrievers may even have partial circular hair loss.
Cephalexin Dosage to Treat MRSA in Dogs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the Cephalexin dosage for dogs. This antibiotic, a semisynthetic cephalosporin, prevents bacterial cells from synthesizing peptidoglycan.
Cephalexin tablets are given twice a day in 500 mg doses, but missed doses will diminish the effectiveness of the therapy. The drug can be administered orally or topically and can be given with or without food.
Cephalexin for Dogs and Cats is not intended for treating fungal infections in dogs.
When given orally, the medication should be taken as prescribed by your veterinarian. This medication takes approximately 7 to 28 days to have its full effect.
Overdosing is risky and can lead to gastrointestinal problems or hypersensitivity reactions in your dog. You should seek the advice of your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has overdosed. A 50-pound dog needs about 500 mg of cephalexin per day.
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