Pets

Question

Is it necesary for a CF patient to take extra measurements and for instance not have dogs ?

Answer

Dear ECORN-user,
Thank you for your interesting question. In families with CF, there is no need for extra measures with regard to pets. Of course normal rules of hygiene and safety need to be followed. For instance a pet needs to be vaccinated. There is no indication that patients with CF become allergic to pets more often than others. Recent data even suggest that being in contact with several pets during the first years of life may protect against allergies later. But of course, allergy for pets with disease signs such allergic rhinitis (itchy nose, blocked nose, sneezing, watery eyes) or asthma (acute episodes of cough, wheeze or shortness of breath) are rather common and a patient may thus have CF and be allergic to dogs or other pets as well. In unusual situations such as CF patients with reduced immunity post lung transplant, a sick dog may infect the patient. And also the reverse has been described such as an adult with CF and lung infection with a highly transmissible Pseudomonas strain who gave his bacteria to his dog. But these situations are really exceptional. If you have other concerns about your dog we advise you to discuss it with your CF-doctor.
M. Proesmans, K. De Boeck, F. Vermeulen, L. Dupont

10.01.2012