Streptococcus Infection in Dogs

Streptococcus are opportunistic pathogens that normally reside in the upper respiratory, intestinal, lower urinary, and genital tracts but can cause localized infection or septicemia in dogs of all ages.

Streptococci typically invade tissues opportunistically when there is a breach in normal host barriers and cause a variety of disease manifestations, such as pyoderma, pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, meningoencephalitis, cellulitis and UTIs. Severe and life-threatening manifestations of streptococcal infection include necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

Causes of Streptococcus Infection in Dogs

Age often determines the propensity for developing this bacterial infection. Both the oldest and youngest dogs have less developed immune systems — the youngest because of the lack of antibodies to fight infection, and the oldest because of a decline in antibodies and a weakened immune system.

Some of the causes for infection are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, often resulting from recent exposure through a wound or surgical procedure

Symptoms of Streptococcus Infection in Dogs

Although there are many symptoms of a bacterial infection from Streptococcus canis bacteria, these are the most common ones:

• High body temperature
• Sores and abscesses on the dog’s skin
• Infected cuts
• Refusing to eat food
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Throwing up
• Obviously infected areas of skin, ears, and eyes.
• Urinary tract or respiratory system infection
• Inflammation and redness
• Abrasions
• Difficulty walking
• Painful urination
• Weakness
• Refusal to play or exercise
• Excessive sleepiness

Treatment and Prevention

In general, Streptococcus infections should be treated with a β-lactam drug. In dogs

Appropriate shelter and kennel management and hygiene, as well as vaccination against other respiratory pathogens, may help to prevent streptococcal infections. Resistant enterococcal infections may be prevented through restricted and appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs and management of underlying disorders that predispose to bacterial infections.