Domestic animals, a help or a hindrance.??

[Kwenda]

They say that owners can look like their dogs, but it appears dog owners share with their dogs many of the same microbes.. Not too surprising really, but then one wonders exactly what effect all this has on those with CLL, who we know all have a reduced functioning immune system.

I am NOT suggesting that all those with CLL live in a plastic bubble, we do have a life to live; but perhaps some extra care is needed when around dogs, cats, horses and other animals.???

See some latest research :-

In a new study, researchers led by the University of Colorado's Rob Knight examined the fecal, oral, and skin microbiota of 60 families with and without children or dogs. As they report in eLife, cohabitating partners shared many microbes, especially Prevotella and Veillonella, but people also had similar microbial communities as their dogs. Dogs, Raffensperger notes, harbor Methylophilaceae bacteria in their mouths that appear to make their way to dog owners' skin.

"It is intriguing to consider that who we cohabit with, including companion animals, may alter our physiological properties by influencing the consortia of microbial symbionts that we harbor in and on our various body habitats, and in particular, our skin habitats," Knight and his colleagues write.

……………………………………….

Now the counter argument to this would be:-

Our animal companions can also provide us the opportunity to become immunized against many pathogens. Edward Jenner recognized how milk maids were less likely to develop small pox around 200 years ago.

During the SARS epidemic in 2003, with the rapid sequencing of the SARS coronavirus genome, it was feasible to produce peptide arrays with the staggered and overlapping SARS virus protein sequences. Probing these peptide arrays with the serum of recovering SARS patients from Toronto revealed that they had developed antibodies against distinct epitopes from several of the coronavirus proteins.

Remarkably, a few of the control individuals who had never been exposed to the virus back in Vancouver also showed the same strong immunoreactivities with their serum. It turns out that these were cat owners. The human SARS virus has since been thought to originate from civet cats and more recently bats.

So apart from the well-known psychological benefits, do our domesticated animals help us or hinder us…??

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

CLL patients are at increased risk for zoonotic diseases...you weigh the benefits...which are many.

However, plan your pet's future, so they will be cared for into the future should you be unable to care for them...

'Who is at risk?

Most zoonotic diseases pose minimal threat; however, some humans are particularly at risk. Those with immature or weakened immune systems, such as infants, individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the elderly, and people undergoing cancer therapy, are more susceptible to zoonotic infections than others.'

This deals with cats, but there are similar articles about dogs, birds, rodents etc...

vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochur...

~chris

[Oleboyredw-uk]

Taking these to extreme conclusions ... No pets, no children and no cohabiting, i dont really buy into that personally. However, each to their own, we all have to apply reasoning to the paperwork presented to us and the situation we find ourselves in at any given time in our lives.

I normally get accused of taking the middle ground too much, but one only needs to look at tha sad situation in the Swansea area to see the effect of a, now discredited, paper on the risks of MMR. My current 'big worry' is for my friends with CLL in that area and my meeting others from there.

For me it is a matter of balancing facts, apparent facts, happiness and practicalities of life.

My life wound not be completer without the walks i take my newfie and bernese on, often miles on paths through the Peak District. Of course, thats farmland and you come up against risks spread about fields then!

Onwards and upwards, may we all stay in the best health we can..

Rob

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Some interesting thoughts here. Our beloved dog died (at a good old age) a few years ago, and we haven't replaced him. We miss him, but decided it wouldn't be sensible to take on another animal, at this stage in our lives. But we look forward to having grandchildren soon, and realise that children (or any human beings whom we hold and hug) probably bring us into contact with as many infections as animals.

As Rob has said, it's a matter of balancing facts, apparent facts, happiness and practicalities. And at the moment, I also feel that my life wouldn't be complete without our frequent walks taken in the Peak District, with all its resident sheep etc. I reckon I'm safer there than in a crowded Sheffield bus, or a public swimming pool.

May we all have the wisdom and balance needed in these matters....

Paula

[Billys60]

I have two dogs and two cats. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy for CLL and can't imagine not being able to go walks with the dogs. This keeps me sane during the boring days at home. Surely it's just a case of being sensible, using antibacterial hand wash etc.

Take care all

Billy

[Caldian]

As a keen gardener, I am blighted by cats defecating in my garden! As well as the health hazard, the mess they make when trying to cover up their "mess" leaves me distraught - not to mention the smell!!!!

[HAIRBEAR_UK Founder Admin]

I can relate as a cat keeper and avid gardener my own cat's habits drive me to despair at times. The greatest habit of cats that disturbs me is that even if I can contain him to use his litter tray, part of his process involves him walking on, in and burying. This is then transferred to wherever he walks, including work tops (when I'm not looking) and my lap. Fortunately he is not a raw meat eater (useless mouser) even so this causes extra vigilance with hand washing and disinfectant sprays and cleaners.(but it is automatic now)

As a gardener at this time of year dressed beds seeded or planted with seedlings are particularly attractive to neighborhood cats. Fortunately my own keeps them away but to curtail his annoying needs to fertilize my beds (everyone around me has dogs, he won't go there), I keep a patch of sand out of the way near the composting area. This seem s to work and contains the problem.. , There is nothing worse than a virgin bed disturbed by a cat digging it up or contaminated salad I agree.

There was an interesting Self help article added to the website last year with a section on

Gardening and farming, keeping pets and livestock

. cllsupport.org.uk/selfhelp.htm

There are risks attached to aspects of daily living we should be aware of as immune compromised. Thankfully with awareness we can take precautions to suit our circumstance and live well if a little differently.

.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

My first oncologist told me I had to get rid of all of my animals - I had quite a collection. I got rid of him instead. They were the only reason I got up some days when first diagnosed. I still have a collection, currently including some fosters, and I wouldn't give them up for anything. Chris is right about having a plan for their future, as well as your own. They are the first beneficiaries in my trust.

Pat

[jangreen]

Hi a dog or cat becomes a member of the family and getting rid of a pet is like disowing a part of you. Please be sensible, washing hands, keeping your pets clean from fleas and worms is only common sense. Keeping too many can be like abuse. Too many pets are left alone for too long. But having a pet can be life affirming. A pet can love you unconditionally but owners have a responsibility too.