A Western Australian mother is fighting for her life after a dog bite turned into a potentially deadly infection.
Tracy Ridout, 53, developed a rare infection called capnocytophaga canimorsus after being playfully nipped on the hand by a German shepherd last week.
The infection quickly spread to her kidneys, liver and blood, forcing Tracy into septic shock.
“She’s in an induced coma at the moment just so her body can fight um the bacteria that’s in her body,” son Kieran Ridout said.
The bacteria is commonly found in the mouths of cats and dogs, however, it rarely causes illness in humans.
People who have compromised immune systems and diabetes have a higher risk of infection.
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“It has also put her in septic shock – so mostly all of her body has gotten infected at this point,” daughter Sophie Ridout said.
“I’ve gone through shock, um I’ve just broken down crying, I’ve also just thought no this isn’t happening this isn’t real.”
The family told 9News that they are speaking out to warn others.
“I feel like the knowledge needs to be out there. God forbid it happens to someone else’s mum or someone’s family member in,” Kieran said.
