Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Burkholderia cepacia complex skin infection signs in dogs
By Cain, Christine L et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2018·University of Pennsylvania, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Clinical and histopathological features of Burkholderia cepacia complex dermatitis in dogs: a series of four cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs were diagnosed with skin infections caused by a bacteria called Burkholderia cepacia, which can be particularly dangerous. Three of the dogs showed symptoms like ulcers, crusts, and draining tracts on their skin, while one had an infection at a surgical site. They were treated successfully with antibiotics, but one dog, which was resistant to all tested medications, developed severe complications and had to be euthanized. This highlights the importance of prompt treatment for skin infections in dogs, especially those with weakened immune systems.
People also search for: dog skin infection treatment · Burkholderia cepacia in dogs · dog antibiotics for skin problems · why is my dog’s skin oozing · dog ulcers on skin
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an emerging cause of opportunistic infections. Deep pyoderma associated with Bcc infection has been reported previously in dogs receiving ciclosporin. OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and histopathological features of four additional cases of Bcc dermatitis in dogs, one of which progressed to septicaemia. ANIMALS: Four dogs with a skin culture yielding growth of Bcc and skin biopsies for histopathological investigation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective review of medical records and skin biopsies and PCR for Burkholderia on DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded skin and liver to confirm Bcc sepsis. RESULTS: Three different breeds and one mixed breed dog were represented. Two dogs were receiving ciclosporin and one was receiving oclacitinib. One dog had no evidence of immunosuppression. One dog was bathed two days prior to onset of skin lesions. Three dogs presented with dorsally orientated ulcers, crusts and draining tracts; one dog had infection localized to a surgical site. The main histological feature from skin biopsies was severe neutrophilic folliculitis and furunculosis with marked neutrophilic to pyogranulomatous dermatitis. Intracellular Gram-negative and Warthin-Starry positive rods were present in three of four cases. Three dogs were successfully treated with systemic fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. The Bcc isolate in one dog was resistant to all tested systemic antimicrobials. This dog developed septicaemia and was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Bcc skin infections can occur in immunocompetent and immunocompromised dogs. Bcc isolates may be extensively antimicrobial resistant, presenting a challenge for clinical management. Cutaneous infection may progress to life-threatening sepsis.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30109733/