Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skin and fat infections by fast-growing mycobacteria in dogs
By Malik, R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2004·The University of Sydney, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Infections of the subcutis and skin of dogs caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Nine dogs with skin infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria were treated over 17 years. These dogs, aged 2 to 15 years, often had a history of injury, like dog bites or car accidents, and were generally in good health, though some showed signs of pain or fever. A vet confirmed the infections through tests and found the bacteria in tissue samples. Treatment involved surgically removing the infected areas and giving antibiotics, which usually led to recovery, although some dogs experienced recurrences.
People also search for: dog skin infection treatment · mycobacteria in dogs · dog panniculitis symptoms · antibiotics for dog skin problems
Abstract
Nine dogs with panniculitis due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) were examined over 17 years. Dogs were two to 15 years; five were male, four were female. All were obese or in good condition. Antecedent injury, typically a dog bite or vehicular trauma, could be identified in some patients, while one bitch had hyperadrenocorticism. Infections involved different locations, although the cervicothoracic region, dorsum or flank were most often affected. Patients were systemically well, apart from one dog with pyrexia and two with pain or lameness. Cytology demonstrated pyogranulomatous inflammation, but in only one case was it possible to see acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in smears. Histology demonstrated chronic active pyogranulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis; AFB could be detected in only four specimens. Culture of aspirates or resected tissues demonstrated RGM in all cases, comprising six Mycobacterium smegmatis group and three Mycobacterium fortuitum group isolates. Resection of infected tissues, perioperative injectable antimicrobials and long courses of oral antimicrobials chosen according to susceptibility data generally effected a cure, although some cases recurred.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15517689/