Disease and Infection From Dog Bites

While most people likely fear the dangers of lacerations and broken bones typical of dog bite attacks, another matter that should be of concern is disease and infection. As many as 18% of victims of dog attacks suffer infections (Louisiana School of Veterinary Medicine). If you are injured in a dog attack, West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer Jessica Mishali may be able to help you gain compensation. However, the following may provide you with a better understanding of this danger from dog bites.

Many individuals believe that the saliva of a dog has healing powers. This traditional notion suggests that if a dog licks a person’s wound, it will heal faster. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The above-cited source identified 130 disease-specific microbes in dog saliva. In other words, if a dog bites you, there are at least 130 ways in which you may become infected.

West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer Stephen J. Press can assist victims of dog bite attacks who fall ill. Among the most common diseases are:

• Endocarditis: An inflammation of the heart, this can be life-threatening. Endocarditis develops from the introduction of staphylococcus into the blood stream. Staph often lives on the surface of one’s skin, and can enter the body through a puncture wound caused by a dog bite.
• Pasteurellosis: Generally much less dangerous, pasteurellosis can nevertheless cause significant discomfort, vomiting, and headache. A swelling around the skin where the puncture occurred usually develops. It is worth noting that this disease can be carried in the saliva of healthy dogs.
• Capnocytophaga: A form of blood poisoning that affects individuals with diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, and other immune system-related conditions.
• Tetanus: Characterized by high fever and muscle spasms, tetanus can in some instances be life-threatening. Tetanus microbes are found in feces and dirt—substances that dogs are drawn to.
• Rabies: As feared as rabies is, this disease is actually rarely contracted by humans in this country. However, once symptoms appear, almost certainly the victim will die.

A disease contracted from a dog bite can be very serious. The good news is, however, that if the owner’s negligence caused the attack you may be able to gain compensation for the cost of medical care, loss of work time, and more. Call West Palm Beach dog bite attorney Jessica Mishali for a consultation today at (561) 833-2772.