Disease Called Mercer

'A gift in disguise'; Visits from therapy dog a real treat for long-term care ...

CORNER BROOK — Bred as herding dogs, Shetland sheepdogs are known for their willingness to work hard and their eagerness to please.

Cruise, a Sheltie owned by Mary Mercer of Corner Brook, doesn’t herd livestock, but does have a reputation for being diligent when it comes to bringing pleasure to folks who could really use his comforting temperament.

The five-year-old canine is a therapy dog, sanctioned by St. John Ambulance to deliver his unconditional love to senior citizens’ homes and long-term care residents. Now in his fourth year of service, Cruise proudly wears a medal commemorating three years of service and another for having punched 3,000 hours of building special bonds with the countless people he has encountered.

Karen Bullen of Massey Drive knows the impact Cruise can have on a family. Her mother, Blanche Pike, was hospitalized and bed-ridden about four years ago after she fell.

“Cruise would come to the hospital every day to visit everyone there and he met mom,” said Bullen. “Mom loved animals and she looked forward to Cruise coming. To have a dog come in and jump up on her bed and stay there was really comforting to her.

“He was just a joy to be around and he brought a lot of happiness to the people who were in the hospital.”

Cruise’s bond with those he visited did not end with his time at institutions or private homes. When Mrs. Pike died last October, it was one of the many funerals Cruise has attended.

“He came to the funeral and just laid down by the casket,” said Bullen. “It was very touching.”

In fact, the morning after Mrs. Pike died, Mercer thought Cruise was ill because he would not eat or drink as he normally would. She even brought him to a veterinarian that morning and — a $165 vet bill later — was told there was nothing wrong with her dog.

“I went back home and Karen called me to tell me her mom had passed,” said Mercer. “Cruise knew it. Now, whenever he gets like that, I have to check the obits in the paper to see if anyone we know has passed.”

Mercer has seen many incredibly uplifting moments involving Cruise’s special interactions. During one visit to the O’Connell Centre, which used to house long-term care residents in Corner Brook, Mercer was asked to bring Cruise down to see a certain lady who was not on her list of people to visit.

The woman, said Mercer, had Alzheimer disease and had not reacted much to anyone or anything in years. Cruise went into her room, hopped up on her bed and just looked her in the eyes.

How to Care for Dogs With Mercer Disease

Dogs can be affected by a contagious bacterial staph infection known as Mercer disease in dogs.  Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA),commonly known as Mercer Disease is a highly contagious bacterial staph infection. Mercer disease can be-passed on to humans through contact, and within hospitals, health care facilities and veterinarian offices where germs and diseases are easily passed on.

Some of the signs and symptoms of MRSA can surface on the dog’s skin or penetrate the skin, depending on the severity, and can be visible through boils, red inflamed areas with an acne-like bump in the middle, other visible wounds and sores. These lesions may be crusty in appearance, especially on the dog’s belly, and the infected area may itch and/or drain puss, which causes the hair to mat and sometimes result in hair loss. If MRSA enters the blood stream, this can result in a serious blood infection, pneumonia, meningitis and heart problems. Most dogs will usually show lesions on their bodies, though some dogs may not show any symptoms at all.

If you suspect your dog is a carrier of MRSA, certain tests can be performed by your vet for a definite diagnosis to determine treatment. A blood test can be executed and urine or sputum samples are sent to the lab in order to identify the exact bacteria present. Samples may include fluid from an abscess, a tissue biopsy or other bodily fluids. A new readily available test called the BD Gene Ohm test, which can have results within two hours.

MRSA is a very contagious bacterial staph infection that can spread from human to animals and vice versa. Much depends on personal hygiene, reiterating how important it is to wash hands after handling infected pets and humans. The infection can spread through airborne bacteria, bacteria from the infected skin, contamination of surgical sites and tools, unclean environment and sneezing or coughing without covering the mouth.

Some simple common sense techniques can aid in the prevention of your dog contracting MRSA. The most important element in prevention is personal hygiene. Wash your hands often, especially if your dog has had recent surgery and/or any open wounds. Clean all human and dog wounds carefully and keep them covered properly. When caring for a MRSA infected dog or human, be sure to wear rubber gloves and always sanitize all instruments and areas that they enter.

Some MRSA bacterial infection may be difficult to treat due to a resistance to an anti-biotic. Some dogs resistant to a particular anti-biotic may need higher doses or take the prescribed medication for a longer period. Your vet may also suggest isolating your dog from human contact due to a chance of the spread of the infection. Be sure all wounds are treated regularly with a good antiseptic cleanser.

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