Dogs as strep throat carriers?

[jtbuko]

We (kids and me) are on round 3 on strep throat in 2010, and sick of it. I had hubby tested to see if he was a carrier and he was neg, but his doc suggested we get the dog tested as well. She is shy and sensitive, and vet bills suck so I am hesitating before scheduling. Anyone ever hear of such a thing? Thoughts?

[North_Of_60]

I've never heard of dogs being carriers, but from a quick google search I found this:

He said that the family dog might even be involved in the cycle in rare cases. The dog can act as a carrier of strep bacteria, and until the dog is treated, various family members may continue to get sick. Veterinarians who test a dog should be aware that in such cases the bacteria live in the dog's anus rather than the throat.

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/20/us...l?pagewanted=1

A recent article in the New York Times suggested that one overlooked culprit may be the family dog, since dogs can harbor strep bacteria in their bodies. A trip to the vet may be indicated if you have a dog and your family is suffering with recurrent strep.

http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/...ail.cfm?id=612

You may be a carrier, someone in your immediate circle may be a carrier - even your pet dog may be a carrier!

http://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat/page3.htm

I would probably call my vet and see what their protocol is for this. It may be as simple as bringing in a stool sample or picking up a swab kit. They may not want to even examine the dog. Who knows.

If we were having re-occurrences of strep throat and we were finishing all the antibiotics, and had tried different types (because usually it reemerges because all the original bacteria weren't eradicated in the first place, or there were different strains), I'd definitely look into the dog being a carrier.

I got strep throat 3 times in like 5 months once a couple of years ago. Maybe that's why. Huh. Good to know!

[jtbuko]

Thanks for the links... I made an appointment and canceled, and now have a call into the vet to discuss before I bring her in. I think I will go ahead if the vet is willing.

ETA
Just in case anyone else searches this topic and find this thread... Vet (who I really respect) was totally willing to test and would prescribe antibiotics I begged, but said it is very rare for dogs to be carriers and that she'd be doing it more for my own peace of mind than because it is appropriate/ necessary based on latest research.