Fournier's Gangrene Syndrome in a Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

Abstract

A 37-yr-old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) was evaluated for intermittent diarrhea, scrotal swelling, and lethargy of 2 days duration. Physical examination revealed marked swelling of the scrotum and perineal tissues with mild pitting edema and crepitus. Computed tomography revealed a mixed gas and soft-tissue density extending from the caudal ventral subcutaneous tissues caudally to the scrotum and perineal tissues. Surgical exploration and castration were performed to establish drainage, and culture revealed a polymicrobial infection. A diagnosis of scrotal and fascial plane abscessation consistent with Fournier's gangrene was made. Although castration with open drainage was performed, the animal died 36 hr after surgery. Postmortem examination and histopathology revealed necrotizing fasciitis of the penis, vaginal tunic, and subcutaneous perineal and perianal tissues.

Successful conservative management of suspected Fournier’s gangrene in cats: three cases

“…To our knowledge, there are only two previous case reports of Fournier’s gangrene in the veterinary literature. 15,16 The first of which was a case report of an indoor-only, 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat that presented to an emergency animal hospital for the acute onset of lethargy, mild ataxia and mucoid anal discharge. 15 On initial examination, the cat was febrile (40.4°C), and although there was no evidence of cutaneous lesions, a painful swelling was appreciated around the rectum.…”

“…15 The other case report was in a 37-year-old male chimpanzee that was evaluated for acute scrotal swelling and a 5 day history of intermittent diarrhea. 16 The scrotal swelling progressed to the perineal and inguinal regions, as well as the proximal hindlimbs. 16 Surgical debridement was performed, with histopathology being consistent with Fournier’s gangrene and cultures having abundant growth of Streptococcus species and Fusobacterium necrophorum , as well as moderate growth of Salmonella typhimurium and slight growth of Proteus mirabilis.…”

“…16 The scrotal swelling progressed to the perineal and inguinal regions, as well as the proximal hindlimbs. 16 Surgical debridement was performed, with histopathology being consistent with Fournier’s gangrene and cultures having abundant growth of Streptococcus species and Fusobacterium necrophorum , as well as moderate growth of Salmonella typhimurium and slight growth of Proteus mirabilis. 16 Unfortunately, the chimpanzee remained minimally responsive post-surgery and eventually went into cardiac arrest, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation being unsuccessful.…”

“…16 Unfortunately, the chimpanzee remained minimally responsive post-surgery and eventually went into cardiac arrest, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation being unsuccessful. 16 …”