Ohio woman Mary Trainer had a terrifying experience after being licked by the family dog. A small cut on her hand left her infected with a rare bacteria called Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which is found in the saliva of dogs and cats. This bacteria can cause serious infections, and Trainer’s condition quickly worsened.
In an interview with FOX News, Trainer recalled feeling weak for several days. She thought she had the flu, but her husband took her to the hospital, where she fell into a coma. Doctors diagnosed the bacteria as having caused blood clots and tissue necrosis, leading to the difficult decision to amputate all four of her limbs to save her life.
The trainer is undergoing complex rehabilitation using battery-powered prosthetics and myoelectric arms. She shared that learning to walk again was the hardest part, but she is doing better now. With the support of her husband and team of doctors, she is slowly returning to normal life, while maintaining a positive attitude. “Every day I love my husband more,” she said excitedly.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the saliva of dogs and cats. Infection can occur through a small cut or wound upon contact with an animal. The bacteria can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection can manifest as fever, chills, vomiting and diarrhea and, in severe cases, lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which inflammation and organ dysfunction spread throughout the body. If you suspect an infection, seek immediate medical attention as early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are critical.
Previously, Cursor wrote about what a dog dreams of if it moves its paw while sleeping.
