Pets and Lymphedema

Introduction

Having a pet, or pets, can be a great joy; however, when you have lymphedema there are some risks you should be aware of and precautions that you should take. Also you might be interested to know that your pet could be at risk of developing lymphedema.

• On the positive side, the companionship of a pet is a delight and walking the dog, riding your horse, or playing with your cat is a great source of exercise and pleasure.
• On the negative side, some pets can increase the risk of accidental injuries that may break the skin of a lymphedema affected limb.

Bites and Scratches

Because any break in the skin is a risk when you have lymphedema, you may want to rethink getting (or keeping) a pet that plays so rough that you are likely to be scratched or bitten. If a break occurs in your lymphedema affected skin, it is important that you take the appropriate first aid steps immediately. See First Aid and Lymphedema.

Cleaning up after Pets

Pregnant women are warned to have someone else clean the kitty litter box for the duration of the pregnancy because of the risk on contracting toxoplasmosis. Exposure to this condition can cause birth defects in a developing child.

In healthy individuals toxoplasmosis does not cause symptoms; however, in an individual with a compromised immune system, toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problems. If your hand and arm are affected by lymphedema, it would be wise to have someone else take over this clean-up duty. If this cannot be avoided, while performing this task, always wear waterproof protective gloves that are discarded after use.

Fishtank Related Hazards

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now includes Mycobacterium marinum on its list of “Emerging Infectious Diseases.” Also known as fish tank granuloma, this slow growing bacteria can infect fish and people. Although relatively rare, it is increasingly common and those with lymphedema need to beware of the dangers of an infection with this bacteria.

Mycobacterium marinum infections produce nodular (bump-like) lesions or ulcerating (open) skin sores on the extremities. As the disease progresses, multiple sores may form in a line along the lymphatic vessel that drains the site. When there is a delay in diagnosing this condition, this pathogen continues to invade into the deeper tissues of the affected limb.

When there is a break in the skin and anyone with other serious medical conditions, including lymphedema, are at greatest risk because a Mycobacterium marinum infection can be acquired by cleaning aquariums, handling fish, or swimming in water that is not properly chlorinated.

Preventive Recommendations

• When cleaning a fish tank, always wear waterproof gloves. (Better yet, have someone else clean the tank.)
• When cleaning fish for eating, always wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from injury. 
• If you have an open sore or break in the skin, it is best to avoid fresh or salt water activities in water where this bacteria is known to exist.

Pets Developing Lymphedema 

Were you aware that your pets might have lymphedema or be at risk for developing lymphedema? According to a study by veteranian Dr. Spielman, “Lymphedema is more common in dogs than cats and no sex predilection has been reported. It is often congenital in English bulldogs. Although lymphedema can affect all breeds, dogs with a familial predisposition include poodles, Labrador retrievers, and Old English sheepdogs.

"In addition to the genetic risk of developing primary lymphedema, any animal that has been treated for cancer or has suffered severe trauma is at risk of developing secondary lymphedema."

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2008-03-15