Dog Bite Infection Results in Woman’s Legs & Fingers Being Amputated

A Texas woman had to have her legs and fingers amputated after a dog bite infected her with dangerous bacteria. According to a Jan. 20 KMBZ news report, Robin Sullins suffered only minor cuts on her hand and leg after a family dog bit her, but became violently ill after becoming infected by bacteria that are commonly found in the mouths of cats and dogs.

Texas mother of four Robin Sullins is in the intensive care unit after doctors were forced to amputate her legs and fingers after a dog bite infected her with rare bacteria.

According to a Jan. 20 KMBZ news report, Sullins was intervening in a scuffle between two family dogs when she suffered minor cuts on her hand and leg. She was treated at a local emergency room after becoming violently ill and was transported to a local hospital after her condition quickly worsened, the report stated.

Doctors determined that Sullins was infected with capnocytophaga canimorsus, bacteria that is found in the mouths of nearly a third of all healthy cats and dogs, the article says. However, in Sullins’ cases, the infection was so severe that doctors had to amputate both of her legs below her knees and all of her fingers except her thumb because the bacteria had entered the bloodstream, according to the report.

This created a serious infection called sepsis, which caused the blood vessels in her hands and legs to shut down and clot, triggering the need for amputation, the report states. The infection also affected Sullins’ internal organs such as the kidneys because of which she needs to undergo dialysis, the article said.

This incident is a wake-up call for all pet owners, said John Bisnar, founder of the Bisnar Chase personal injury law firm. “No dog bite should be taken lightly. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important that you get checked out by a doctor to determine if you need any shots or any antibiotics that are needed to counter or prevent these types of serious infections.”

Victims of dog attacks often suffer not only physical injuries, but also serious emotional issues, Bisnar said. “A dog attack can cause serious psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress syndrome. Many of the dog attack victims we represent, regardless of age, undergo psychological therapy to help them cope with the traumatic event.”

About Bisnar Chase

The California dog bite lawyers of Bisnar Chase represent victims of dog bites. The firm has been featured on a number of popular media outlets including Newsweek, Fox, NBC, and ABC and is known for its passionate pursuit of results for their clients. Since 1978, Bisnar Chase has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims including dog bite victims. For more information, please call 949-203-3814.