Coexistence of immunosuppressed children and pets, precautions

2024-01-17 15:02:57

The coexistence of immunosuppressed children with pets is beneficial for their physical, emotional and social health, but given their vulnerable situation, the necessary hygienic measures must be taken with animals in order to prevent risks, such as infections.

The transplanted boy Javier Bañuelos poses with his therapy pet. EFE/ Kiko Huesca

The La Paz University Hospital in Madrid has launched an innovative guide, in collaboration with the MAPFRE Foundation and the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), which informs about the benefits and harms of having pets at home with immunosuppressed children (transplanted, with treatments chemotherapy or with diseases of the immune system).

This guide is documented in a research study coordinated by the Dr. Ana Méndez Echevarría, coordinator of the Pediatrics and Immunodeficiencies area of ​​the Hospital Pediatrics, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Service of La Pazwhich has had the participation of 284 families of transplanted children or those with immunodeficiencies and more than 500 veterinarians.

The results reveal that 46% of the families surveyed have pets after transplantation, with dogs and cats being the most common, followed by birds, reptiles and exotic pets, but 37% of these animals were not dewormed or did so less than three times. times a year.

Additionally, in 21% of cases, there was only one or less visit to the veterinarian in a year and 6% of pets were not up to date on vaccinations.

A decalogue to avoid risks

Having a pet or being in contact with animals has been associated with benefits for the physical, mental and social health of these children because they reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression, increase exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle, with the potential to increase survival in the general population, says a statement from the Hospital La Paz.

But given the vulnerability of the immune system of these little ones, it is necessary to adopt a series of measures included in this decalogue:

If you are going to have a pet consult in advance to your doctor and also ask the veterinarian’s opinion.

If you already have a pet, always tell the veterinarian that an immunosuppressed person lives with the animal.

Follow all vet recommendations about check-ups, feeding, vaccination and deworming.

Don’t upset your pet! The bites and scratches They can cause infections.

Avoid kisses and licks of the animal, especially on the face and wounds.

don’t share bed, utensils or food with your pet.

The hygiene sandboxes, cages, feeders or collecting the animal’s feces must be done by another member of the family.

If you go out into the countryside, prevent your pet from hunting. When you return home, check that you don’t have ticks. If there are any, eliminate them as soon as possible.

If the pet has any disease symptomtake her quickly to the vet.

If you go to travel with your pet, consult your doctor and veterinarian.

The guide’s advice for immunocompromised children and pets

Infographics provided by the La Paz University Hospital