Polyostotic osteomyelitis following open pyometra in a dog

Abstract

A six-year-old female neutered Löwchen with a clinical history of ovariohysterectomy following open pyometra was referred for evaluation of severe progressive generalised lameness in all four limbs, of varying degrees of severity and pyrexia that developed over the two weeks following surgery. Physical examination revealed enlarged superficial cervical lymph nodes, pain on deep palpation of both humeri and a grade I/VI cardiac murmur. Radiographs demonstrated irregular solid periosteal new bone involving the diaphyses of the humeri, femora and several ribs. Serum biochemistry showed mildly decreased urea levels and mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase. Haematology revealed mild thrombocytosis. A preliminary diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made. Biopsies of the bone lesions were taken, and bacteriological cultures with susceptibility testing confirmed a diagnosis of Escherichia coli. Following six weeks of medical treatment with meloxicam, tramadol and marbofloxacin, the clinical signs resolved and follow-up radiographs obtained 12 weeks from initial presentation supported the resolution of the clinical signs. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of haematogenous osteomyelitis presumably spreading from the uterus, involving multiple bones and leading to complete resolution with medical treatment.

Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma Associated with Previous Chronic Osteomyelitis Caused by Serratia liquefaciens in a German Shepherd Dog

“…In this report the evidence of polyostotic osteomyelitis sustained by Serratia was also peculiar [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], compared to the greater evidence in the literature of monostotic osteomyelitis [ 24 ]. First-line therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was not targeted towards the specific microorganism and thus it was ineffective.…”

“…Septic polyostotic osteomyelitis is a rare bone infection in dogs, involving multiple bones and commonly caused by a long-term or persistent infection with fungal or bacterial agents [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Generally, a wide range of microorganisms could cause osteomyelitis, with bacterial infections being most frequently reported [ 8 ].…”

Emphysematous pyometra and emphysematous hepatitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a diabetic dog

“…Alternatively, infectious diseases themselves can predispose previously stable diabetic dogs to suffer from a diabetic crisis 21 . Pyometra has been associated with immune system suppression 22 and, although infrequent, hematogenous dissemination of bacteria originating from a uterine infection to distant sites of the body has also been described in dogs and cats 23,24 . There is a single case report describing an emphysematous hepatic abscess due to the hematogenous spread of bacteria from a uterine infection in a bitch, Burkholderia cepacia being the causative agent 25 .…”

Emphysematous hepatic abscess and pyometra, both caused by Burkholderia cepacia, in a bitch

“…7 Although pyometra is a commonly reported disease in the bitch, it has rarely been associated with dissemination and translocation of bacteria to distant sites in the body. However, new reports have described dissemination from uterine disease to bones in two canines 11,12 and pericardium in one cat. 13 In one canine patient, 12 Aspergillus sp was isolated; while in the other canine 11 and feline 2 patients, the bacteria isolated was Enterobacteriaceae sp.…”

“…However, new reports have described dissemination from uterine disease to bones in two canines 11,12 and pericardium in one cat. 13 In one canine patient, 12 Aspergillus sp was isolated; while in the other canine 11 and feline 2 patients, the bacteria isolated was Enterobacteriaceae sp. In these cases, the spread was via haematogeneous.…”