A health professional has issued a caution following the death of a British woman due to an infection caused by a dog licking a wound on her leg.
June Baxter, an 83-year-old from Norfolk in the UK, passed away on July 7, shortly after sustaining a leg injury on June 29 while using a commode.
According to statements presented at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court, June was alone at the time of the incident. Her granddaughter, Caitlan Allin, later found her, during which her dog licked the wound.
Reports read in court this week described how paramedics tended to June’s wound, using tweezers to adjust the damaged skin.
The following day, June felt unwell and was transported to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further examination.
Medical experts identified the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium often found in dogs’ mouths, in June’s leg.
She exhibited symptoms of sepsis in the days following, which eventually led to her death on July 7, as determined by coroner Johanna Thompson.
The accidental death was attributed to secondary causes, including conditions affecting the kidney, liver, and heart.
Thompson stated: “Mrs Baxter was in frail health. On 29 June she was found to have injured her leg at her home.
“On the following day she reported feeling unwell; she was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she was diagnosed with an infection which was subsequently identified to be arising from a domestic dog lick.”
Although deaths from a dog lick due to Pasteurella multocida are rare, such unfortunate events can occur.
Dr. Andrew Conlan, an associate professor in epidemiology at the University of Cambridge, informed the Times: “The risk posed for serious infection from bacteria that are not normally pathogenic [capable of causing disease] is incredibly low for most healthy people.”
While the bacteria can lead to mild skin infections or more severe conditions in rare instances, it’s essential to recognize the likelihood.
Conlan further noted: “Most of the time, these commensal bacteria will not cause any problems.”
Some might question whether they should prevent dogs from licking them, yet Dr. Margit Muller remarked that this isn’t always necessary.
The veterinary surgeon explained to the Times: “Usually licking is not dangerous on hands and arms.”
However, there are exceptions, as Dr. Muller elaborated: “Dogs shouldn’t lick our eyes, nose, and mouth — areas lined with mucous membranes, more permeable and sensitive than regular skin and prone to absorbing bacteria — or broken skin. Open wounds should be covered as a preventive measure.”