Intra-abdominal botryomycosis in a dog

Abstract

A 6-year-old 41.8-kg (92-lb) sexually intact male German Shepherd Dog used as an attack and pursuit dog by the local police department was examined because of general malaise and sudden onset of ataxia. Abnormal findings included a high WBC count, fever, and ongoing weight loss. Physical examination was unrevealing initially, in part because of the aggressive nature of the dog. Following treatment with antibiotics, an abdominal mass was detected during a second physical examination, and was confirmed radiographically. Subsequent ultrasound examination revealed a walled mass of mixed echogenicity, with areas of detectable fluid movement. A laparotomy was performed to remove the mass, which weighed 2.2 kg (4.5 lb). Histologic findings were consistent with botryomycosis, and Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated on bacteriologic culture. Postoperative treatment consisted of intravenous, intra-abdominal, and oral administration of antibiotics. Diagnosis of botryomycosis requires histologic examination and bacteriologic culture of the lesion. Treatment consists of surgical intervention and administration of antimicrobials. Botryomycosis is a poorly understood and rarely reported disease found in many species. A computer search of the literature failed to reveal any previous reports of intra-abdominal botryomycosis in dogs.

Cutaneous Botryomycosis in a Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus campbelli)

“…6,[13][14][15][16] Pulmonary botryomycosis has been reported in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), 13 mice (Mus musculus), 3 capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), 16 and steer. 17 An intra-abdominal form has also been reported in a dog, 19 and a case of disseminated staphylococcal granulomas has been published in a cat. 20 Botryomycosis associated with a myocarditis has been reported in 2 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena).…”

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of a chronic Staphylococcus aureus infection (botryomycosis) as a long-term complication after castration – a case report

“…Prevention of phagocytosis and intracellular killing of the bacteria is thought to lead to persistent infection and chronic inflammation, respectively (Hussein 2008). In this case, a characteristic histomorphological pattern (Share and Utroska 2002, Sleeman et al 2003, Smiet et al 2012) in combination with isolation of Staphyloccocus aureus by microbiological testing led to the diagnosis of botryomycosis.…”

Septic pericardial effusion associated with pulmonary and pericardial botryomycosis in a dog

“…It was originally thought to be of fungal origin (hence the term “botryomycosis”) and its bacterial aetiology was not demonstrated until 1919 (Magrou 1919). A case of intra‐abdominal BM (Share and Utroska 2002) and a cutaneous BM (Walton and others 1982) are the only cases described in dogs. PB has been described in human beings, horses, guinea pigs, cattle, chicken and Barbary apes (Bollinger 1870, Bostrom and others 1969, Brack 1997, Kathir and Dennis 2001, Miller and others 2001).…”

“…BM has been described affecting many other organs or systems both in human medicine and in veterinary medicine (Habermann and Williams 1956, Bostrom and others 1969, Bersoff‐Matcha and others 1998, Vasishta and others 2004). In dogs, two cases, one cutaneous (Walton and others 1982) and one intra‐abdominal (Share and Utroska 2002), have been reported. This report describes a case of pulmonary botryomycosis (PB) associated with septic pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in a dog.…”