We got the culture results earlier this week, showing George had E. coli (yeah, I’m all “What the fuck?!”, too) and a staph infection. Both of these are common, even residing in small amounts on our skin naturally. Since George has been on a rather high dose of Prednisone for a while now (to combat his autoimmunes), his immune system is whacked and any minor scrapes or cuts he may have allows disease to penetrate easily and run rampant. He’s on a three-week-long regimen of antibiotics, an OCD/antidepressant med, Doxepin hydrochloride, to prevent him from scratching his skin off, and is pretty much in a constant Tramadol coma.
All I can say is, it’s really fucking gross y’all. And the smell—have you ever had teeth pulled or know someone who has? You ever smell your/their breath after day three, where they can’t really rinse well and the blood is congealing and there’s just this major putrid funk? Yeah, George’s neck smells just like that.
Expand if you want to see the hurt/nasty (NOT for the squeamish).
This all started as weird rolls (sort of like fat rolls) on his back, and they began to develop pus.
You can read about it here.
We went to the vet and they shaved his back as much as he would tolerate and here is what was found:
Open sores and more pus. Gross, right? He also has sores on the inside of his ears.
So we took him home and did some hydrotherapy on him until the sores began to crust-over and develop scabs. Now it’s pretty scabby and we’re waiting for the swelling to go down more.
So here’s how E. coli and a staph infection work in dogs.
He should be okay; at least the vet hasn’t told us differently or to “prepare” for anything.
We’ve put little socks on his back legs; in case he does get a few scratches in, it shouldn’t cut him up.
You should smell it.
poor, poor George. Hopefully things clear up soon.
First off: poor puppy!!! I hope he feels better soon.
Secondly: Whoa that looks gross and painful.
Aw, poor guy. Hope he gets well soon.
GEORGE? WTF?
What kind of recovery time are you looking at? And will he make a full recovery?
poor George! hope he’s doing better now!
my German Shepherd had a cut on her back that was deep and by the time i noticed it had been a few days and it smelt so bad like rotting flesh so I feel your pain with that smell.
I’m glad George is doing much better.
HAPPY DOG!
@The Partner: I know! I’m so glad he’s doing better. I should post non-gross-as-hell photos of him.
Hi
Thanks for posting those pics.
My dog has the same skin problem. I have been to the vet and she’s on her second antibiotic and now I have a shampoo for her.
Were you given any meds? If so—what kind and did they work? At $40 for pills and changing them……it’s getting costly.
Please contact me HELP! thanks Correy
Correy, I’ll be posting an update to this post soon, as others have contacted me regarding this issue.
Here’s an update. If you still have questions, send me an email or leave a comment below.
How is George now? My dog has the same thing. You are right, the pus and smell are nauseating. She developed staph after having an allergic reaction to a med she was placed on that caused sores on the skin. She now has the staph and strep and amoebas floating around on her back. The area is huge, bloody, bruised, swollen, and pus-filled. My doctor said she may not make it as it’s wreaked havoc on her system.
I’m trying my best to be positive, but have seen no results from prednisone, cephalexin or hydrotherapy. It’s horrible. Note to self- dogs allergic to sulpher should NEVER be given Trimethoprim-sulfa; the drug that directly caused open wounds allowing staph to get in.
Hi Carragh,
George has improved beyond our expectations for him. He is pretty near full health, minus his recurring nose inflammation here and there.
I hope your vet(s) is able to find a solution/diagnosis/cure. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to other vets and asking for their thoughts. I wish you and your dog the best!