Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Buchananella hordeovulneris bacteria found in cat chest infection
By Samoel, Gisele Vaz Aguirre et al.·Published in Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]·2022·Departamento de Medicina Veteriná, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Isolation and characterization of Buchananella hordeovulneris from feline pyothorax.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old female mixed-breed cat developed serious breathing problems, including rapid breathing and blue-tinged gums, just two days after being spayed. X-rays showed fluid in her chest, and a procedure to remove the fluid revealed a thick, pus-like substance. Tests identified the bacteria Buchananella hordeovulneris, which is rarely seen in cats, as the cause of her condition. With appropriate treatment targeting this infection, the cat's health can improve, but it's crucial for pet owners to be aware of this bacteria when dealing with similar symptoms.
People also search for: cat breathing problems after surgery · feline pyothorax treatment · Buchananella hordeovulneris in cats
Abstract
A 1-year-old female mixed-breed cat was admitted to a veterinary hospital in Southern Brazil with tachypnea, low thoracic amplitude, restrictive breathing pattern, and cyanotic mucous membranes 2 days after elective castration surgery. Radiography revealed pleural effusion, and approximately 100-200 mL of fluid was collected by thoracocentesis. The reddish purulent exudate contained large numbers of yellowish-white granules with branched filamentous structures on cytological examination. The fluid was plated on blood agar and incubated under aerobiosis at 37 °C. On the third day of incubation, circular, dry, and opaque colonies, measuring < 0.5 mm in diameter, were observed. Their phenotypic and molecular characteristics were compatible with Buchananella hordeovulneris (basonym: Actinomyces hordeovulneris), a pathogenic actinomycete rarely detected in cats. Our findings indicate that B. hordeovulneris should be included in the differential diagnosis of pyothorax in cats together with Actinomyces spp. and Nocardia spp. Taxonomic confirmation of disease-causing microorganisms in animals is important to understand the course of infection and its association with disease epidemiology.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36242745/