Charlotte Means, DVM, helps us understand how opportunistic bacteria can infect hair follicles after grooming pets. Her review includes good reminders about shampoo use, disinfecting equipment and mitigating risk of post-grooming furunculosis. The condition can occur after bathing at home, at professional groomers and at veterinary clinics.
Means also provides good questions to ask when post-grooming furunculosis is suspected and prevention tips.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, March/April 2019, page 71. Link. P. aeruginosa is the most commonly cultured organism in cases of post-grooming furunculosis. This gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium is frequently associated with otitis externa. Pseudomonas is sometimes found in combination with Staphylococcus species, as well as other gram-negative bacteria. Serratia marcescens, an anaerobic facultative gram-negative bacterium, has also been cultured from affected dogs and shampoos.
INSIGHTS: This is a good article to discuss with staff members and groomers. Remember to update and reinforce any sterilization protocols and remove partially used shampoos from useable inventory as needed.