An unusual case of rapidly forming severe oral lesions involving bacterial infection in a dog

Abstract

The term oronasal fistula refers to an acquired communication between the oral and nasal cavities, and can result from several conditions. However, oronasal fistula formation has not yet been described to be associated with bacterial infections. We have described in this case report for the first time a rapidly forming oronasal fistula and severe lingual lesions in a dog, involving an infection with Streptococcus canis. The patient was a 9-year-old male intact Golden Retriever with a nonspecific history of depression, mild pyrexia, anorexia and retching lasting for two days. Within four days he developed an extensive oronasal fistula, several pseudomembranous erosions, ulcerations and necrotic areas of the tongue and bronchopneumonia. Histopathology of the tongue revealed severe multifocal necrotizing and suppurative subchronic inflammation. Streptococcus canis, Pasteurella multocida, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius were isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage and the oronasal fistula. Despite the treatment, the dog developed necrotizing fasciitis and the owners elected euthanasia.

Keywords

• dog
• group g streptococci
• oronasal fistula
• streptococcus canis