WA mum dies after small dog bite turns into deadly infection

Tracy Ridout, 53, developed a rare infection called capnocytophaga canimorsus after being playfully nipped on the hand by a German shepherd while playing with her friend’s dog.

The tiny wound soon turned into an infection, which quickly spread to her kidneys, liver and blood, leaving Tracy fighting for her life after going into septic shock, and putting her in an induced coma.

“Mostly all of her body has gotten infected at this point,” daughter Sophie Ridout told 9News last week.

“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’.”

Tracy’s son Kieran Ridout said last week the family were speaking out about the bacteria as a warning to others, after being shocked by the onset of the rare infection.

“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.

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.

The family set up a crowdfunding campaign. It was originally to cover Tracy’s medical bills but was later modified to help the family through the cost of the funeral too.