IACUC Learning Module - Dogs | Previous Next |
Any dog bite, even if the skin is not broken, should be cleaned with soap and copiously flushed with water. Then apply direct pressure, using clean cloths, to stop any bleeding. Often crushing rather than actual tearing occurs with dog bites. In such cases, an ice pack can help to reduce tissue injury. Next, report the injury to the UAC supervisor for the facility, who will assist you in obtaining additional medical care and who must immediately quarantine the dog. No matter how minor the bite wound, you should see a physician, who may suggest additional measures such as antibiotics and perhaps the rabies, post-exposure injections.
Another potential health risk is accidental exposure to pesticides and other chemical agents (i.e. For external parasites such as ticks and fleas). Read the label and use the required safety equipment such as gloves, rubber boots, plastic aprons or jumpsuits. Department of Risk Management offers "General Lab Chemical Hygiene Training (Lab Safety)"; for info call 621-1790. Should an exposure occur, apply emergency first-aid per the instructions on the label and then contact the closest supervisor.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn during application of any pesticide of chemical, as well as whenever these are poured from a container (because they might splash).
Another common complaint of persons working with large animals is back fatigue or back strain. It is advised that all persons wear back support devices when handling dogs, especially when picking up or restraining dogs. To be fitted with a back support device, you should ask your supervisor. In addition, Department of Risk Management offers a class in "Back Safety"; call 621-1790 to enroll.
ZOONOTIC DISEASE PREVENTION
Although it is not common for personnel to "catch" a disease from dogs, which is termed a "zoonotic" disease, the risk is ever present.
The primary method to protect oneself from a zoonotic agent is to practice good personal hygiene.
|
|
The list of possible zoonotic diseases is quite extensive and this module only attempts to highlight a few which are more commonly found in this geographic area.
ALLERGIC SENSITIVITIES: Allergic skin and respiratory reactions are quite common in personnel working with dogs and other animals. Consult your physician. Wear protective clothing to prevent direct contact with dogs, waste, carcasses and other body products.
BRUCELLOSIS: The bacteria, Brucella canis is usually spread from dog to dog by sexual contact, or to puppies, during the birthing process. Humans become infected when they handle birth fluids, or newborn puppies, from infected bitches, and fail to practice good hygienic practices. The disease in man is life-threatening with testicular swelling, recurrent fever and sometimes, disabling lesions of the spine.
DIARRHEA: Various bacteria, notably Campylobacter and Salmonella, and protozoans, such as Giardia, can cause severe diarrhea and intestinal infection in man and dogs. Symptoms range from mild, intermittent diarrhea to systemic infection with total organ system failure. Hand washing after contact with dogs and dog feces cannot be stressed enough!
DIROFILARIASIS: Although extremely rare, humans can be infected with the "heartworm" of dogs, but only if a mosquito bites a dog with the tiny, filarial stage of the parasite circulating through their blood stream, and then later, the mosquito bites a person. The adult worm may lodge in a pulmonary artery, causing occlusion and serious cardiac damage. Dogs need to be tested for this parasite and all infected dogs either treated, or quarantined to prevent mosquitoes from being able to feed on them.
HOOKWORMS: A dog infected with intestinal hookworms may pass thousands of eggs in their feces each day. These eggs soon hatch into tiny, nearly invisible larvae. When persons walk with bare feet on ground containing these larvae, or, pick up bedding soiled with feces and do not wear gloves, the larvae penetrate the skin and infect the person. Sometimes the larvae stay near the surface of the skin and cause "tracks," but more serious consequences occur when the larvae migrate into the eye, brain and other organ systems. Dogs need to be checked, and treated if infected with these parasites and again, good hygienic practices need to be observed when disposing of dog feces.
RABIES: This virus is transmitted by infected saliva, usually by a bite wound, but viral laden saliva may enter preexisting wounds or abrasions. The virus travels up a nerve to the spinal cord and finally reaches the brain. After a variable incubation period, rabid animals or humans will exhibit signs related to central nervous system (CNS) disfunction, and once this occurs, death is inevitable! For this reason, persons bitten by dogs should always see a physician and discuss the correct course of treatment. Most animal caretakers will choose to take a series of "pre-exposure" vaccinations, which will facilitate treatment should they ever be bitten by an infected dog.
SCABIES: The sarcoptic mite may transfer from infected dogs to humans, by physical contact. In the dog, the mite forms deep tunnels and causes itching and crusty lesions. In man, the lesions are very itchy, but usually self-limiting. When handling dogs confirmed to be infected, wear protective clothing such as disposable gowns, and of course, gloves. Dogs suspected of having this mite need diagnostic tests conducted and if infection is confirmed, treatment should be initiated.
TAPEWORMS: Several species of tapeworms which infect dogs can be passed to man, if the tapeworm eggs voided in dog feces, get carried to the mouth and swallowed. If rigorous hand washing practices are not observed, tiny pieces of feces may be carried to the lips when the person takes a drink, applies lipstick, or decides to chew a piece of gum. Most species of tapeworms in man have serious consequences, including death.
Next Page
Back to Training Modules
