02 - Immunocompromised Patients

Question 1

1. What recommendations would you have for pet selection and precautions for the immunocompromised pet owner?

Answer 1

1. no immunosuppressed animals, exotic/wild animals (REPTILES), sick animals, stray/wild animals, baby chicks/ducks

remove pets after organ transplant

Question 2

What are the most common zoonotic disease (what are the top 3?) concerns for the immunocompromised? How can they be prevented?

Answer 2

• Toxo, crypto, salmonella – client eduation, know what animals are more risky
• Don’t let pets drink out of toilet bowl, don’t allow to hunt/scavenge, wash hands, don’t eat undercooked meat/unpasteurized milk
• Litter box: was hands after handling pets or changing litter box, have someone else change litter, change daily, use dust free litter

Question 3

What type of animals are appropriate therapy animals for nursing homes or hospital visits? What are not?

Answer 3

• Appropriate = healthy vx dogs and cats
• Not = unhealthy, not vx, reptiles, young animals cause of training issues, small ruminants

Question 4

What precautions should be taken prior to animal visitation or animal placement in long-term care facilities?

Answer 4

bath animal two days before visit to reduce allergens, make sure they have their vaccinations, must develop a list of acceptable animals with a veterinarian and a doctor

Question 5

Which animals pose a risk for severly immunocompromised individuals?

Answer 5

Reptiles, baby chicks/ducks, exotic pets (nonhuman primates), wild animals (eg raccoons)