Diseases commonly caused by dog bites include cellulitis, meningitis, and rabies. Dogs’ mouths contain numerous strains of bacteria, many of which can complicate health after a dog bite.
If you were diagnosed with a disease caused by a dog bite, you can receive compensation for your medical bills and more. A Lafayette dog bite lawyer will build an evidence-based case on your behalf.
Diseases Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can lead to more than puncture wounds or bruising; they can also transmit serious diseases. When a dog bites, bacteria from its mouth can enter the body, potentially causing infections that range from mild to life-threatening.
Some of these diseases, like rabies or tetanus, can have severe consequences if not treated promptly. Others, such as Pasteurellosis or MRSA, may require antibiotics or medical intervention to prevent complications.
Cellulitis
A bacterial skin infection that occurs when bacteria from the dog’s mouth, such as Pasteurella or Staphylococcus, enter the skin through the bite wound. The area around the bite may become red, swollen, warm, and painful. In some cases, the infection can spread quickly and cause fever or chills.
If not treated right away, cellulitis can lead to serious complications. Doctors usually treat it with antibiotics, and in more severe cases, hospitalization may be needed. See a doctor as soon as possible after a dog bite to prevent or treat cellulitis early. Your Lafayette personal injury lawyer will collaborate with the medical staff to show the full financial impact of your injury.
Meningitis
A dog bite can cause meningitis if bacteria from the dog’s mouth enter the body and spread to the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and it can occur when bacteria travel through the bloodstream after a deep bite or if the wound becomes severely infected.
Certain bacteria, such as Capnocytophaga, found in dog saliva, can occasionally lead to this rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment with antibiotics. Seeing a doctor after a dog bite can help catch and treat infections before they become severe.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread through the bite of an infected dog. The virus travels through the nerves to the brain, where it causes swelling and severe damage. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, and weakness. As the disease progresses, it can lead to confusion, seizures, paralysis, and death.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, which is why it’s essential to seek medical help immediately after a dog bite, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Doctors can administer a series of shots called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent the virus from causing illness. Prompt treatment can save your life.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can occur after a dog bite if the bacteria Clostridium tetani enter the body through the wound. Once inside the body, it produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw, neck, and back.
Tetanus can also cause trouble breathing and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. It is not spread from person to person. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 to 10 years, a doctor may recommend a booster shot after a dog bite to help prevent infection.
Pasteurellosis
Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella species, which are commonly found in dogs’ mouths. When a dog bites, these bacteria can enter the skin and soft tissue, leading to infection. Symptoms typically appear quickly and may include redness, swelling, pain, and the presence of pus around the bite area.
The infection can spread to deeper tissues, joints, or even the bloodstream, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Pasteurellosis is typically treated with antibiotics, and early treatment helps prevent serious complications.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics. It can be found on the skin or in the mouths of both humans and animals, including dogs. If a dog bite breaks the skin, MRSA bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and the presence of pus at the bite site.
The infection can spread to the bloodstream, bones, or lungs, resulting in severe health complications. Because MRSA is harder to treat than regular infections, get medical attention right away if you suspect an infection after a dog bite. Medical documentation will strengthen your dog bite claim and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientSymptoms of an Infected Dog Bite
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infections develop in dog bites only 5% to 15% of the time. However, dogs are involved in the majority of the 5 million animal bites that occur in the United States each year.
Given their prevalence, all victims should take dog bites seriously to minimize further harm. This means addressing these wounds quickly and watching out for symptoms of infection, which may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Development of pus
- Fever
- Pain in the muscles or joints
- Swollen lymph nodes
The risks of developing an infection after a dog bite will depend on several factors, including the dog’s vaccination history and your health. Those most at risk for infection from a dog bite include children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Should you or a loved one suffer a dog bite, especially one that leads to infection, you could be eligible for compensation. After listening to your account of the incident, an attorney can tell you more about what to expect from a dog bite case.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientTypes of Bacteria Frequently Found in Dog Bite Wounds
To understand what diseases are caused by dog bites, consider the source: the bacteria that cause these diseases in the first place. The strain and species of bacteria present in a dog bite wound can influence the rate of infection development, as well as its symptoms and severity.
Pasteurella Pathogens
In a study of the microbiology of animal bite wound infections, researchers found that Pasteurella was present in half of the participants’ dog bite wounds. There are multiple species of this bacterium, with the most common in dogs being Pasteurella canis.
Infections caused by this bacterium can be serious, often affecting the central nervous system. Victims with infections involving Pasteurella also seem to present symptoms sooner than those infected by other bacteria.
Strep and Staph Bacteria
The same study, published in the Clinical Microbiology Reviews, found that Streptococcus and Staphylococcus were tied for the second most common bacteria found in dog bite wounds.
These bacteria tend to inhabit the skin of both animals and humans. When a bite occurs, the puncture wound can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth and the victim’s own skin, potentially causing an infection.
Capnocytophaga
The bacteria Capnocytophaga can live in the mouths of many organisms, including dogs and humans. In dogs and other animals, this bacterium causes no harm. When it enters a human’s bloodstream through a bite, however, it can rapidly spread and cause fatal infections.
Capnocytophaga infections are relatively rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), though their effects can be severe. Some victims may even develop gangrene and require amputation due to complications.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientFurther Medical Complications From Dog Bite Diseases
Infections that develop after a dog bite can lead to further medical issues if left unaddressed. For example, like any untreated open wound, dog bites can cause sepsis and septic shock. The development of septic shock can quickly lead to organ or system failure.
Heart attacks, strokes, gangrene, and pneumonia are just a few of the complications related to dog bite infections. Monitor the affected area for signs of disease in the hours and days after a bite, as complications can develop quickly. Immediate medical intervention is often necessary.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientA Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help You
While many dog bites occur in the victim’s own home, others may involve an animal belonging to another person and result from negligence. For example, if a neighbor or a stranger allowed their dog to roam without a leash, and the animal bit you, you could have grounds for a personal injury case.
The team at Laborde Earles will review your case and help recover your losses. Over the years, we have recovered more than $1 billion for clients, and we continue to win big cases.
We take pride in advocating for victims of dog bites and other injuries due to negligence. Our firm wants to be on your side, exploring your options for financial recovery and building a case to support your claims. Call today for a free initial consultation.
