MRSP in Dogs and Spaying: A 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston 🦠✂️

MRSP in Dogs and Spaying: A 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston 🐶🦠✂️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc | July 2025

🦠 What Is MRSP?

MRSP (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) is a bacterial "superbug" that affects dogs, much like MRSA in humans. It’s resistant to several common antibiotics and can be tough to treat if it causes infection. 😷

MRSP is now a leading cause of surgical site infections in dogs—and more dogs than ever are carrying it, often without symptoms. So what does that mean when your dog needs to be spayed? Let’s break it down. 🩺

🔍 MRSP and Elective Surgery

Should you spay a dog that has or had MRSP?

✅ If your dog is a healthy carrier (no active infection):

• Spay surgery is still considered safe
• No antibiotics are typically used for this low-risk procedure
• MRSP doesn't increase infection risk unless the dog is already sick

🚫 If your dog has an active MRSP infection (e.g., skin infection):

• 💡 It’s best to delay elective surgery until the infection clears
• Active infection increases the chance of spreading bacteria to the surgical site
• This applies to all infections, not just MRSP

🧪 Why We’re Not Too Worried (For Spays)

• 🔬 MRSP doesn’t act any differently than regular staph during surgery—it's just harder to treat if an infection happens
• ✂️ Spay-related infections are very rare to begin with
• 🧴 Standard surgical prep and aseptic technique are usually enough to prevent infections

🧼 The Role of Surgical Hygiene

Every dog (MRSP or not) carries bacteria on their skin. That’s why we:

• ✂️ Clip fur properly before surgery
• 🧽 Disinfect the skin
• 🧼 Use sterile instruments and surgical draping
• 🚷 Limit post-op licking or contamination

This protects the surgical site from infection—regardless of the bacteria type. 🧪

📛 MRSP vs. Other Procedures

While spays are low-risk, procedures like orthopedic surgery carry higher infection risk, especially when implants are involved. MRSP-positive dogs may need more tailored plans for these cases. Speak to your vet for procedure-specific advice. 🦴💉

📋 MRSP & Spaying Summary

🔧 Ask A Vet Can Help

Wondering if it’s safe to spay your MRSP-positive dog? Use the Ask A Vet app to chat with licensed vets, upload test results, and get personalized surgical guidance. 🐶📱

🐾 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

MRSP isn’t a reason to avoid spaying your dog—unless they’re actively sick. For healthy carriers, routine surgeries remain low-risk and safe with proper prep. The key is communication with your vet and good surgical hygiene. 💙✂️

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to speak with a vet about infections, surgical safety, and MRSP questions. 📱