Bartonellosis is an infection that can occur in dogs. It is a disease brought about by a bacteria that can also affect humans as well as dogs, however, the disease comes off in a different name when it’s encountered by humans-- it is called cat scratch disease. Although the infection is very seldom transferred through cat bites or scratches, dogs can acquire the bacteria that causes Bartonella by coming in contact with lice, fleas, sand fleas, and lice.
Identifying & Preventing Bartonella Disease
Hunting dogs and other dogs used in the outdoors on the other hand can easily come in contact with bartonella because of their exposure to nature. The Bartonella infection is what can be called a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted between animals to human beings. Moreover, the symptoms of Bartonella disease or Bartonellosis come off as almost similar for both humans and dogs.
Here are some of the signs you should be aware of:
- Red bumps on the site of the insect bite
- Inflammation of the eye
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Fever
- Problem with the lymph nodes
For humans, this disease can easily be transferred through the bites of an infected dog. Moreover, if the symptoms stated above are present after a dog has bitten a victim, you should make sure that the victim sees a physician immediately. Performing a diagnosis on dogs can be a completely different process. A veterinarian can perform a whole physical examination, blood exam, urinalysis, and other tests that can determine the presence of Bartonella Bacteria on the body of the victim. Although there may be a lot of signs that can be shown physically, the other exams are taken to create a more concise conclusion.
Humans affected by bartonella disease can be cured by simply cleaning the area of the infection may it be just a scratch or a bite. Plus the intake of antibiotics should do the trick. On the other hand, bartonellosis in dogs is treated differently. The vet can start with a course of antibiotics to specifically wipe out the bacteria with doxycycline or azithromycin. Dogs living in areas or having a lifestyle concentrating outdoors should be placed in an ongoing and continuous flea and tick preventive measure to avoid any problems in the future.
Prevention Is Better Than Medicine!
Indeed it is, this is why we strongly urge you to consult with Go-Forth Home Services to determine any type of infestation in your place even in the earliest stages. This gives you an edge and will make it easier to deal with an infestation since it’s detected in an early stage. Moreover, Go-Forth takes pride in its pest control solutions that have been around and innovated ever since the year 1959. Our goal is to ultimately create a safe, controlled, and pest-free environment for our customers. So what are you waiting for? Call us now!