Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with chest wall infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica
By Samantha Wray et al.Ā·Published in BMC Pulmonary MedicineĀ·2025Ā·Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, GBĀ·View original on DOAJ ā
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Original publication title: B. Bronchiseptica empyema necessitans, a case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 60-year-old female dog trainer had a right chest wall lesion and was diagnosed with a serious condition called empyema necessitans, where pus in the chest cavity spreads to the chest wall. Tests revealed that the cause was a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is usually found in animals. After trying several antibiotics without success, she was treated with a six-week course of oral moxifloxacin and underwent a surgical procedure to drain the infection. This combination of treatments helped resolve her condition.
People also search for: dog chest infection Bordetella bronchiseptica Ā· empyema treatment in dogs Ā· antibiotics for dog lung infection
Abstract
Abstract Background Empyema necessitans is an uncommon complication of an empyema, where pus in the pleural cavity extends into the chest wall. Both medical and surgical management are required. Here we have identified the first reported case of empyema necessitans caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. Case presentation A 60-year-old female dog trainer initially presented with a right chest wall lesion. Imaging showed a right-sided empyema and chest wall fistulization. Multiple Gram stains and cultures isolated Bordetella bronchiseptica. After several courses of antibiotics, imaging showed a chronic pleural collection with communication to a chest wall gas-fluid collection resembling empyema necessitans. Culture re-demonstrated Bordetella bronchiseptica. She was given a six-week course of oral moxifloxacin and underwent a Clagett window. Conclusions While Bordetella bronchiseptica has been previously exclusive to animals, it is an emerging zoonosis. Empyema necessitans because of repeated animal exposure is an unusual complication that had yet to be seen with this microorganism.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03670-5