Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Great Dane puppy's severe hind limb infection treated successfully
By Csiszer, Amie B et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful treatment of necrotizing fasciitis in the hind limb of a great dane.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-month-old female Great Dane was brought in with sudden severe lameness, pain, and swelling in her right hind leg. An ultrasound showed pockets of fluid indicating a serious infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which can destroy soft tissue. The vet performed surgery to remove the dead tissue and placed drains to help with healing. After surgery, the puppy received strong antibiotics and physical therapy to help her recover. Thanks to this treatment plan, she was able to heal successfully.
People also search for: Great Dane hind leg swelling · puppy lameness treatment · necrotizing fasciitis in dogs · antibiotics for dog infections · dog physical therapy after surgery
Abstract
A 5-month-old, intact female Great Dane was presented for an acute onset of rapidly progressive lameness, severe pain, and diffuse swelling of the right hind limb. Ultrasound evaluation revealed echogenic fluid pockets extending along fascial planes of the right hind limb, from the proximal femur to the hock. Necrotic soft tissues were debrided, and closed-suction drains were placed. No foreign material was identified at surgery. Fluid culture identified a beta-hemolytic Streptococcus sp., and affected fascial histopathology was consistent with necrotizing fasciitis. Postoperatively, the puppy was managed with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, local infusions of amikacin, and daily physical rehabilitation. Oral pentoxifylline was administered to treat bronchopneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome that developed secondary to necrotizing fasciitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a successfully managed case of beta-hemolytic, streptococcal, necrotizing fasciitis successfully managed after a single surgical debridement in combination with systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics, local amikacin infusion, active closed-suction drainage, daily cytology, massage, and passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain limb function.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21041337/