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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Can I catch anything if my dog licks my face? by Dr. Michael Goldberg OK, to start off answering this question, I must incite a mouthful to digest. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy wrote: "the inimical forces, partly psychical, partly physical, to which our terrestrial existence is exposed, which are termed morbific noxious agents, do not possess the power of morbidly deranging the health of man unconditionally; but we are made ill by them only when our organism is sufficiently disposed and susceptible to the attack of the morbific cause that may be present and to be altered in its health, deranged and made to undergo abnormal sensations and functions, hence they do not produce disease in everyone, nor at all times." (Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine 6th edition, B Jain Publishers (P) LTD, reprint 1994). In other words, when the flu is going around the office, why do some get it and others don't. Dr. Hahnemann above states that is simply a question of who is susceptible and who is not most likely based on how good and active one's health and immune system are operating. Everyday in practice, I admit, I get licked and kissed by a number of different dogs. I may be a little cavalier in attitude, but I think I'm personally willing to give this a chance. There are a host of various organisms bacterial, parasitic, and viral that can be passed from animal to man. The more we live; it appears the more information is available to support this phenomenon. AIDS, SARS, West Nile Virus, Influenza, Plague, Monkey PoxŠ all these are now known or suspected to have their origins in various species that are able to potentially transmit to man. Recent information has shown a common condition in dogs known as Kennel Cough to be transmissible to both cats as well to humans. Other bacteria that are Zoonotic (passed from animal to man) are Salmonella (from reptiles) as can E.Coli. External parasites such as fleas and mange mites can be a nuisance to humans. Other parasites are also a large contributor to the potential equation. Giardia, or Beaver Fever can be passed to humans via dogs and wildlife; Toxoplasmosis can be transferred from cats' feces to humans potentially causing abortion in women. Cryptosporidium is another that can cause intestinal problems in man. Roundworms (toxocara canis) have recently come under heavy scrutiny. In a recent study, 25% of dogs in the study had these roundworm eggs on their fur and of these; about 4% were already at an "infective" stage while the rest were on their way. The study does suggest that this roundworm can infect people by direct contact (A. Wolfe, I.P. Wright, Veterinary Record (2003) 152, 419-422). This study refutes prior suspicion that roundworms are contracted via the soil only. The disease they can cause is known as "Visceral Larva Migrans" or Ocular Larva Migrans" in which the larva can migrate into the tissues and cause disease and inflammation as well as in the eyes. The samples on this study were taken from the tail and the back end of the dogs, but I suppose they can transmit theoretically from their mouths as you know as well as they are contortion artists when it comes to licking themselves! Here comes the kicker. The bottom line (pardon the pun) is to make sure your pooch is as "clean" as possible. This starts with a good immune system, thus good nutrition and supplementation. There are a number of very useful dewormers available from Veterinarians and there are a number of natural alternatives that are listed as antiparasitic such as the herb Wormwood. Antiparasitic homeopathic treatments are listed in Dr. Richard Pitcairn's Guide to Natural Health of Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press) and the remedy listed is Cina 3X on a daily basis for approximately three weeks. True this can all be a bit overwhelming with today's health trends. My advice is to stay fit, eat well (keep yours and your pet's immune system functioning well), minimize any potential toxic substances such as pesticides, over vaccination, and toxic foods. Dabble with deworming, whether natural of chemical. Then, make your own decision based on your knowledge. Personally, anyone coming into my clinic will see my patients "kissing" me all the time! Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |