What can a dog contract from a mouse? - briefly
A dog can acquire bacterial infections such as salmonella, leptospirosis, or plague, as well as parasitic diseases like murine typhus, through contact with or ingestion of a mouse. These pathogens may cause gastrointestinal upset, fever, or more severe systemic illness.
What can a dog contract from a mouse? - in detail
Rodents can serve as reservoirs for a range of pathogens that may be transferred to dogs through bite wounds, ingestion, or indirect contact with contaminated environments. The most common categories include bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal agents.
Bacterial agents
- Salmonella spp. – bacteria present in the intestinal tract of mice; infection may cause gastroenteritis, fever, and septicemia in dogs.
- Leptospira interrogans – spirochete shed in urine; exposure can lead to acute kidney injury, hepatic dysfunction, and hemorrhagic disease.
- Yersinia pestis – the plague bacterium; rare but possible transmission via bite or ingestion, producing fever, lymphadenopathy, and septic shock.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus – opportunistic organisms that may cause respiratory or skin infections after a wound.
Viral agents
- Rabies virus – mice can harbor the virus in endemic areas; transmission through bite results in fatal encephalitis if untreated.
- Hantavirus – primarily a human pathogen, but exposure may cause mild respiratory signs in dogs.
Parasitic agents
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) – adult worms develop after a dog ingests infected mouse fleas; cause anal itching and weight loss.
- Roundworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis) – larvae may be present in mouse feces; infection leads to diarrhea and anemia.
- Protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis) – cysts excreted by mice can be ingested, resulting in intestinal upset and systemic disease.
- Ectoparasites (mouse mites, fleas, ticks) – may infest dogs, producing pruritus, dermatitis, and secondary bacterial infection.
Fungal agents
- Dermatophytes (Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp.) – keratin‑degrading fungi carried on mouse fur; cause alopecia, scaling, and crusting of the skin.
Prevention strategies
- Limit canine access to areas with rodent activity.
- Promptly remove dead rodents and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Maintain up‑to‑date vaccinations (e.g., rabies) and regular deworming protocols.
- Use flea and tick control products to reduce ectoparasite burden.
Understanding the spectrum of rodent‑derived pathogens enables veterinarians to diagnose and treat canine patients efficiently, and helps owners implement effective preventive measures.