Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in a Rottweiler Dog with Severe Bronchitis and Foreign-Body Pneumonia

Abstract

Capnocytophaga cynodegmi is a zoonotic, gram-negative, capnophilic bacterium that is usually seen in people with infections associated with dog or cat bites. The first reported case of C . cynodegmi infection in a dog is described here.

Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats

“…antimicrobial medications but relapse shortly after discontinuation of therapy. 10,11 Foreign bodies reported in the veterinary literature include grass awns and plant or plastic materials. 11 Organisms associated with grass awn inhalation include Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Nocardia, Actinomyces, and anaerobic bacteria.…”

“…11 Organisms associated with grass awn inhalation include Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Nocardia, Actinomyces, and anaerobic bacteria. [10][11][12] Most often, foreign material remains at the carina or enters caudodorsal principal bronchi (accessory, right and left caudal lobar bronchi).…”

Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats

“…Inhaled foreign bodies carry mixed bacterial and fungal organisms into the lung and are associated with focal pneumonias that are often initially responsive to antimicrobial medications but relapse shortly after discontinuation of therapy. 5,6 Foreign bodies reported in the veterinary literature include grass awns, plant materials, or plastic materials. 6 Organisms associated with grass awn inhalation include Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Nocardia, Actinomyces, and anaerobic bacteria.…”

“…In many cases, only harsh or increased lung sounds are detected rather than crackles. 5 The examination should also include a thorough auscultation of the trachea and upper airway for evidence of upper airway signs (eg, nasal congestion or discharge) that can result from lower airway infection, either as an extension of epithelial infection or from nasopharyngeal regurgitation of lower airway secretions.…”

Bacterial Diseases

“…While both C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi can cause zoonotic infections, C. canimorsus infections are much more common and more severe. 243 It is unclear whether this is a truly rare disease in animals or whether infections are not detected because of lack of routine culture and diffi culty isolating the organism. 246,247,252 -254 Bites are the most common source of infection, but other reported routes of infection include scratches, pets licking ulcers, and cats biting peritoneal dialysis tubing, as well as situations where no obvious route of exposure was reported in people that had close contact with animals.…”