Juliana Werner

Uncommon mandibular osteomyelitis in a cat caused by Nocardia africana

BackgroundNocardiosis is an unusual infection in companion animals characterized by suppurative to pyogranulomatous lesions, localized or disseminated. Cutaneous-subcutaneous, pulmonary and systemic signs are observed in feline nocardiosis. However, osteomyelitis is a rare clinical manifestation in cats. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica (formerly N. asteroides sensu stricto), Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, and Nocardia nova are the most common pathogenic species identified in cats, based on recent molecular classification (16S rRNA gene). The present report is, to our knowledge, the first case of mandibular osteomyelitis in a cat caused by Nocardia africana, diagnosed based upon a combination of methods, including molecular techniques.Case presentationA one-year-old non-neutered female cat, raised in a rural area, was admitted to the Companion Animal Hospital-PUCPR, São José dos Pinhais, State of Paraná, Brazil, with a history a progressive facial lesion, difficulty apprehending food, loss of appetite, apathy and emaciation. Clinical examination showed fever, submandibular lymphadenitis, and a painless, 8 cm diameter mass, which was irregularly-shaped, of firm consistency, and located in the region of the left mandible. The skin around the lesion was friable, with diffuse inflammation (cellulitis), multiple draining sinuses, and exudation of serosanguinous material containing whitish “sulfur” granules.Diagnosis was based initially in clinical signs, microbiological culture, cytological, and histopathological findings, and radiographic images. Molecular sequencing of 16S rRNA of isolate allowed diagnosis of Nocardia africana. Despite supportive care and antimicrobial therapy based on in vitro susceptibility testing the animal died.ConclusionThe present report describes a rare clinical case of feline osteomyelitis caused by Nocardia africana, diagnosed based upon a combination of clinical signs, microbiological culture, cytological and histopathological findings, radiographic images, and molecular methods. The use of modern molecular techniques constitutes a quick and reliable method for Nocardia species identification, and may contribute to identification to new species of Nocardia that are virulent in cats.

Esporotricose óssea canina: relato de caso

Sporotrichosis, a subcutaneous and zoonotic mycosis, is caused by dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The infection occurs after a traumatic skin injury, while handling plant materials or animals. This disease commonly occurs in cats and is rarely reported in dogs. Herein we report a case of bone sporotrichosis in a dog that presented at the Hospital Unit for Pets (HUP) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR). The animal had a 4-month history of lameness in its thoracic limbs. Haematological, radiological, mycological, and histopathological tests were conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The animal was treated for 2 months with a 10 mg kg -1 PO SID dose of itraconazole, but only partial improvement was observed. A 20% supersaturated potassium iodide solution i.e., a 40 mg kg -1

Síndrome do gucagonoma em cão

Nail fold Necrolytic migratory erythema is a rare skin dermatosis characterized by erosive and crusted lesions in intertriginous areas, mucocutaneous junctions, articular areas and pressure points. It has been described in humans, dogs, cats and rhinoceros. The cause of this condition is related to glucagon-secreting alpha cell tumor of the pancreas, severe hepatopathy or gastrointestinal disease. Here, we report the case of a dog with necrolytic migratory erythema due to glucagonoma, closely resembling the glucagonoma syndrome observed in humans.