[lzrddr]

The dermatologists in my area rarely hesitate to put dogs on antibiotics for extended periods of time when it comes to superficial pyoderma (Staph skin infections). Some literally put some dogs on antibiotics for life, and most do very well. Others recommend bathing with an antiseptic, antiseborrheic shampoo every 2-4 weeks, followed by leave on conditioners that often manage the conditions… less medications that way, and most do pretty well. There are always exceptions of course. In my experience most recurrent Staph infections are related to ongoing allergies (pollen being the most common) and can be good candidates for immunotherapy (which sounds like what your dermatologist has recommended)… this works about half the time in my experience… and half the time does not work well enough to be off meds for very long. Moving to a different climate works very well for many dogs (but is rarely a realistic options). My own dog was very allergic and off and on Staph infections, ear infections and constant foot licking and recurrent hot spots.. .until we moved to a high altitude in the Rockies and almost instantly was cured for over 4 years… then we moved back to California and all his allergies returned (though the 4 years away seemed to have a bit of a lasting effect as they were not as bad). I did have him on antibiotics for some time, but I am a better prescriber than I am good about keeping my own pets on medication, so I had multiple failures. Now with some good new products (such as Apoquel) for chronic itching and allergic symptoms, we are having more luck avoiding the Staph infections (still no permanent cure for most dogs).

 

[lzrddr]

just to clarify that a bit… a MRSA or MRSP are, by definition, resistant already, or they would not be Methicillin Resistant Staph. These are bacteria (not viruses)… but they have an alarming ability to resist normal treatments, which is why they are a bit scary. Topical treatment, as mentioned, is highly recommended if it works (and it usually does) so FURTHER resistance is not attained by these already scary bacteria (no sense in making them 'scarier'). These bacteria, however, or no more contagious than any other Staph bacteria so are not going to infect a person or another dog any more than any other common Staph will… but IF they do infect another, it can be a tough one to control. In dogs, most resistant Staph or MRSP (Methicillin Resistant Staph pseudoepidermitus), which are far less dangerous to humans than true MRSAs (Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus), so they are far less scary … .but still require caution and handling with gloves for people with immunodeficiencies or lacerations/cuts/abrasions.