K-STATE VETERINARIAN ISSUES CANINE
'TOXIC SHOCK' ADVISORY
According to Dr. Brad
Fenwick, professor of veterinary medicine, the advisory has been issued to make
dog owners and veterinarians aware of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a
canine form of toxic shock. In light of the acute and unexpected nature of the
disease, as well as the high death rates associated with it -- even with
appropriate veterinary care, Fenwick said it is particularly important dog
owners become aware of the symptoms of canine streptococcal toxic shock.
Fenwick said canine streptococcal
toxic shock has generated a great deal of concern and questions from dog
owners. In many respects the disease mimics the condition in humans, which can
be just as serious.
"Streptococcus
bacteria cause the 'flesh-eating' disease in humans," Fenwick said.
"Much of what is known about prevention and treatment has been through
comparing the human disease with the condition in dogs. In turn we are hopeful
that by studying the disease in dogs we can learn more about how to prevent
toxic shock in humans."
Like the disease in
humans, dogs that develop canine streptococcal toxic shock are healthy only
hours prior to becoming very sick. Without prompt therapy, the dog's condition
deteriorates rapidly with death occurring in as few as eight to 12 hours.
Typically, dogs that develop canine streptococcal toxic shock are depressed and
too weak to move; experience rigidity and muscle spasms, coupled with a high
fever.
Fenwick said the dog's
temperature may be greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit and may reach as high as
107. As the disease progresses, a deep, non-productive cough develops, followed
by a rapid onset of spontaneous hemorrhaging,
coughing up blood, bleeding from the nose, severe
bruising of the skin and in some cases, bloody diarrhea.
Fenwick said
"shock therapy" alone is generally not able to save dogs with canine
streptococcal toxic shock. Dogs treated with the correct indictable antibiotics
at the early stages of the condition are more likely to recover. Early
recognition, a correct diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential.
Fenwick said it is
important to distinguish canine streptococcal toxic shock from other diseases
that affect dogs, most notably kennel cough which also causes coughing but only
rarely high fevers and severe systemic illness. He urges prompt evaluation by a
veterinarian to make a timely diagnosis.
Streptococci are
members of a family of bacteria which cause either localized or systemic
infections in humans and animals. While some strains rarely cause disease and
are often considered to inhabit the skin and mucosal surfaces such as the mouth
and nose, other strains are capable -- under the right conditions -- of causing
life-threatening primary infections. Fenwick said fortunately the canine
streptococcal toxic shock strains do not appear to be particularly contagious,
but further research is necessary.
According to Fenwick,
what allows the organism to cause full-blown toxic shock in one dog or one
human and not another is not understood. Research is under way to determine if
a new strain has recently emerged or if the disease has suddenly become more
common for some other reason.
Currently there is no
vaccine to prevent the disease. Fenwick said development of a reliable vaccine
will likely be difficult because of the toxins' interference with the ability
of the immune system to function properly.
"Given the
unpredictable nature of the disease, the best thing to do is to recognize the
early symptoms of the disease and treat it appropriately," Fenwick said.
"Even an hour or two can make all the difference."
Prepared
by Keener Tippin II. For more information contact Fenwick at 785-532-4412 or fenwick@vet.ksu.edu.
Additional information is available from the AKC Canine Health Foundation's Web
site at http://www.akcchf.org/
Copyright © October 2000.
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