Infectious Bacterium

[HADave]

Vibrio Vulnificus, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. This nasty bacteria is found in warm seawater and if exposed to an open wound or sore can lead to ulceration and skin breakdown in people / children. Those that are immunocompromised are at higher risk for the organism to reach the bloodstream with potentially fatal complications.

A 59 year old male was reported having been exposed to the bacteria while swimming in Kiholo Bay. Although the man survived the ordeal, surgery had to be performed and all the exposed muscle tissue had to be removed, from his leg.

The State of Hawaii does not use signage at any of its beach locations regarding these issues.

Tropical eye fungus on the rise around the country. Fusarium, another nasty bacteria/fungi commonly found in plant material and soil amendments. Should this fungus enter the eye, especially from a swat in the face by an exposed branch or bush or eyes being rubbed with hands that have been exposed, a serious infection of the cornea may result, named Keratitis. Another cause linked to the disease is the Bausch & Lomb ReNu contact lense solution with MoistureLoc. It was announce April 2006 to discontinue use . Although no reports have have been made to the CDC from Hawaii, the enviroment is a perfect breeding ground for Fusarium. Please use caution when hiking or working around plants and soil. If left untreated this can lead to corneal destruction. There have been 106 confirmed cases in 26 states.

Those of us coming to a subtropical environment from northern climates probably have no reason to suspect such issues but they do exist and there are probably others as well........

FYI HADave

[Royall]

Dave, there is a warning sign at the hot pond in Kapoho. The state had to put it up a sign to warn people of the dangers of swimming there after an older man got infected through an open wound and died. His family sued the state and putting the sign up was part of the settlement. I’ve been in the hot pond once to experience it but seeing all the babies in dippers playing in the water has changed my mind about going back in.

Royall

What goes around comes around!

[HADave]

Thanks for the correction on the signage hopefully they're now postings the dangers, too bad the point wouldn't get accross to those diaper dowsers it would be a real tragety if some infant were to be infected.

Does anyone know how frequently or if the State/County does testing in areas of high risk?

Perhaps this is an area that more could be done to educate people on the dangers of a "growing" population...

Aloha HADave

[JerryCarr]

The diaper brigade is just as likely to be a source of infection as a victim. When I lived in metro Atlanta, a horrific E coli. outbreak at a water park was traced to a baby in diapers. This outbreak resulted in two fatalities. Defective chlorination gear played a part in this tragedy, but our beaches, coves, and tide pools have no protection from such problems. Parents, keep kiddies not yet potty trained out of enclosed or partly enclosed bodies of water, especially warm ones!

Aloha,
Jerry

[Lucy]

I did meet two people who lived by Keakaulakua Bay that had either this Vibro or that flesh eating bacteria Streptococcus--
Necrotizing fasciitis. Caused by the same microbe responsible for strep-throats. The one lady who lived straight across from there talked to me for quite some time and she did not know what it was, AFAIK. Nor did she have any idea how she got it. She had both lost all the muscles on lower leg and the man had the lower leg amputated.

From what I have read on websites from the gov. reports re: that Vibrio are mostly showing up in the gulf states. So probably not as big a threat in Hawaii. This person that caught it, could have been immune supressed which makes them more suspectable to this disease. I did get a nasty slow healing coral cut through my dive bootie once. Reminds me of that. Still have the scar with it. It looks like one of those that the body encapsulates.

I have read about Lepto being in the water especially remember it being at Waipio Valley in running streams. Here is some research.....
"Water activities are fun, but take precautions. According to Russell, "Mud, muddy water and stagnant, non-flowing water are prime sources for exposure to leptospira." This bacterial organism can enter the body through cuts, mucous membranes, eyes, or by ingesting contaminated water. Russell encourages a yearly vaccination with the appropriate strain of leptospirosis vaccine to reduce your pet's chance of contracting this disease.
Giardiasis is caused by a waterborne parasite found in untreated water such as creeks and ponds. It also occurs in mountainous areas where water supplies have become contaminated by infected animal feces.
"Chlorination of surface water will not prevent this disease," cautions Russell. "Presently there are drugs to treat giardiasis, but none to prevent this intestinal disease."
Ref: Tamu Note: Most dogs Lepto vaccines do not provide the necessary coverages.

Cryptosporidiosis too, is what might have been in the hot pond at Kapoho. It can also get into catchment from rodent droppings from the roof etc. and does not die off easily with using chlorine! YUK!
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/...diosis.htm

The other one that comes to mind is mosquito borne, Dengue Fever, which more outbreaks occur usually on Maui, but some on the BI also.

Fusarium is all over, one survives in cold climates and is particularly bad on tomatoes in Ohio! I think you would be concerned about eating products with this fungus on it too, like wheat especially or possibly corn.
It was Aflatoxin in Diamond pet foods that caused the recent recalls from many deaths in pets. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops. It is especially preveltnt in years of drought, which we have had the last two, where production of grains and legumes are grown.

Solanaceous crop plants (tomato, potato, pepper, and egg- plant) may be infected at any age by the fungi that cause Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. When I worked in pro[agating tropicals we had fusarium wilt every year in the moist humidity necessary for cuttings to take root.

Just some more food for your thoughts Dave,
Lucy


Having another Great day in Paradise, Wherever that Maybe!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLanai

[HADave]

Thanks Jerry & Lucy, water remains the greatest concern for us and our dogs. So much about the whole tropical experience to learn and prepare for.

Aloha HADave :/

[Lucy]

Dave,

You asked, <Does anyone know how frequently or if the State/County does testing in areas of high risk?> No I do not, but you could contact public health department and ask if they can point you in the right direction.

Ohh, the diapers and all that stuff. Did you know that when a person changing a diaper on a kid that has had a recent vaccination could pass along some of what I understood to be the viral disease? It kills me to see some of the public restrooms around the country. Mostly it is the ladies restrooms that get the diaper changers in them and they aren't always in the cleanest of states.

I do not know if it is possible to get the Lepto shots for the specific Lepto that is on that island for your dogs, but it is always good to keep that disease in mind if they show certain symptoms. Also seek out a good vet in the area who knows their stuff.
Giardia, which I mentioned before, does not easily show up on tests, same as whip worms, so sometimes you just have to go by the symptoms for things like that and treat it. Giardia causes an intense itch beneath the skin, whip worms can cause rapid loss of weight. I had that with one of my dogs last year and we could not pinpoint it. The vet said it could be the whips. Treated him on two intervals and he was like brand new. Most wormers do not eradicate whips and it is a treatment protocol of three days in a row of meds and then a month later and another three day course.
Look online at the Merck manual and you will find lots of free info. on your pets.

<Those of us coming to a subtropical environment from northern climates probably have no reason to suspect such issues but they do exist and there are probably others as well.> Remember the worlds largest Fungas that lives underground in the USA and covers millions of sq. miles? There is "stuff" all over. My sister in law fell into an abandoned house's septic tank on senior skip day and got polio from it. You just never know what you might come accross in life and just let your common sense, which you have plenty of, lead you. No need to unduly worry about this stuff. You have heard about mosquitos and that they carry disease, flies are awful and so are roaches for the things that they carry.

One disease that is prevalent here in San Antonio hospitals right now is Legioniarres disease, which is present in water systems. We have high lime levels that sticks to the pipes and the water is treated with chlorine. Interestingly there was a study done on this and Austin uses an ammonia with the chlorine and has no problem in their water system, which is recommended when water is in an aquafier as it is here in Tx. Most people again are resistant to this bacteria except those who have a lowered immune system.

If you do the maintence and set up your water catchment tank properly, then you will be ahead of the water problems. I think it will always be a challenge for me though, since I raise exotic birds and they are much more susceptable to gram negative bacteria, which we humans and mammals carry in abundance. How good is the water there out of catchment?? I don't have a clue how well it is treated and the ultraviolet light systems and others that are employed, it is all new to me. I would probably just boil their drinking water anyway, to be sure. The idea that snails, rats or things can fall into it bothers me a bunch. Birds on the roof.....eeek...!! I think that I would spend the extra cash on getting a great system put together. Probably hire someone to maintain it well.

It is late here and I forgot what else I was going to tell you, ah well another day!

All the best to you!
Lucy

Having another Great day in Paradise, Wherever that Maybe!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLanai

[HADave]

Speaking of the diaper stuff it was brought to mind to me by a friend, have you ever noticed those grocery carts with the liitle kid in a diaper sitting there facing Mommy looking so innocent. Ever since it creeps me out when grab a grocery cart now, especially the plastic poly carts.

Thanks for the Merck Tip I'll be checking that out for sure. We have one Shepherd that has an ongoing skin issue that produces a very foul order and the only thing that seems to help is bi weekly bathing with sulfodex shampoo and if it gets out of control
we have to put her on an antibiotic. The breeder claims her immune system was compromised buy the Lepto vaccine and the two rabies vaccines required by the state of Hawaii. All this took place in the first year of her life. So frustrating and concerning especially when bringing to a new environment. I wish I could only know for sure what we are dealing with. Our second shepherd was not given the Lepto vaccine and hasn't had the second rabies booster yet and is perfectly normal with a very healthy coat and skin. Sometimes I think the first one simply wasn't put together right from birth. Such is life I guess, we all have our quirks......

Aloha HADave

[Lucy]

Dave,
There might be some truth to what your breeder is telling you. Many dogs have allergic reactions to the Lepto vaccine. Auto immune issues are on a increase in pets and I absolutely believe that they are related to over vaccination of dogs and cats. Vaccinations were never meant to be every year and given all at once. It is too big of a jolt to the system all at once. You do not see that happening to kids or people. Most vaccines (after receiving all booster shots) in humans last 10 years, maybe a lifetime. In dogs and cats they are given yearly or once in three for rabies (in general, because here they did give it every yr. but mostly that has changed).
For your dog, have they done skin scrapings to see what the organism is that is bugging her?
Or food allergy testing? This is something that you yourself can easily do, is to try a different diet. Many dogs are allergic to wheat or corn. I had to change my food since one of my dogs was not doing well on it and making his stool soft, with mucous and the food irratated his stomach lining. I went with Natural Balance dog food and the problem cleared up right away. It helps with ear infections and eye discharge also. You might just first try a diet change. They have to be on the diet for at least 6 weeks with no other foods like a biscuit with wheat or corn in it for you to know if it is a diet related allergy.

Since I am not familiar with GSD common problems, I googled it and it skin is in there. So this page is one that might be informative to you. Words are highlighted to check out for skin.
http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache:lKeLPamddD8J:www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp7/germ-shep/german-shepherd-health-issues.html+german+shepherd+common+skin+problems&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1

http://devinefarm.net/rp/rpskin.htm

You might want to learn more about Jean Dodds DVM new vaccination protocol.
I do hope that you find what is the cause of her skin condition and haelp her with that. It must be terribly uncomfortable for her to live with.
Two of my dogs have flea allergy, so I am absolutly sure that we keep using Frontline Plus for them each month. This is another common problem. I would pursue it harder than ever with your vet before you get to Hawaii. Everything justs costs more there and the warm weather will just make her skin/coat more miserable.

Lastly try a yahoo group or other for GSD, maybe there they can help you where you vet might not be aware of something else you can try which has been reccommended by some other vet and it will help you dog. Usually there are lots of helpful folks on those lists.

Aloha,
Lucy

Having another Great day in Paradise, Wherever that Maybe!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLanai

[HADave]

Gee Thanks Lucy for your concerns and helpful info, we have done the diet regime, with Natural Balance Duck & Potato went through 16 weeks no results. We have kept her on holistic food for 6 months now and they don't get packaged treats only carrotts and occasional apple. She has had several skin scrapings and they were always negative for parasites The vet suggested prednisone for the itching, I declined as I'm not comfortable w/steroids. I also want to be sure you were clear on our vaccine schedule everything was given seperately and at least 30 days apart she is only 18 months old so no boosters have been done yet except the required rabies. We also treated her with ivermectin for demodectic mange that also proved unsuccessful. her only reprieve has been through double rounds of ciprofloxacin and the bi-weekly baths with SulfOxyDex She has regained the luster to her coat but stills chews somewhat but the skin oder is really bad again. i believe we will go the antibiotic trip again as some GSD notably suffer from very deep skin infections and mutiple courses of antibiotics are required to actually cure the situation.

Look, seeing you mentioned using Frontline Plus, I would like to give you a web site where you might save some $$$ We surely did as we buy for three dogs. http://www.maakenterprises.com/Default.asp
It may seem a little sketchy to you but For Real they are legit and we saved big. All product factory sealed and expiration dates are included on the box. Note the extra savings for 12 packs.

Thanks again your concerns are greatly appreciated

Aloha HADave

We remained concerned about infectious bacterium for the dogs as well as ourselves as our first year there will be a tough one with living under the stars and all, we shall keep our fingers crossed for light rain and drying winds...

Aloha again HADave and Gang