LETTERS

Ostemyelitis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a

dog from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
MADAM
Osteomyelitis is a local or generalised inflammation of the bone
resulting from infection (Jackson & Pacchiana 2004). Exog-
enous osteomyelitis is most frequent after open fractures and
surgical repair of closed fractures. Although Staphylococcus sp.
are the most common isolate, other organisms may occasionally
be recovered by bacterial culture (Jackson & Pacchiana 2004).
P. aeruginosa are Gram-negative rods, nonmotile, nonspore
forming and aerobes. In dogs, although this bacterium has been
described as an agent of pyoderma, otitis media/externa and uri-
nary tract infections, there are few reports of osteomyelitis caused
by this agent (Adamo & Cherubini 2001).
A male mixed breed stray dog around three years old was
found with several bruises and left hindlimb lameness - probably
as a result of being hit by a car. It presented with no fever, and
the radiographic examination confirmed a complete fracture of
the distal third of the tibia. The dog was treated with penicil-
lin (40.000 UI/kg/IM – Bezentacil; Eurofarma) and gentamicin
(2mg/kg/IV – Gentocin; Shering Plough), associated with keto-
profen (1mg/kg/SC – Ketofen; Merial). After nine days, due to a
persistent purulent discharge, ceftriaxone (25mg/kg/IV – Roce-
fin; Roche) was administrated. After one week clinical signs still
persisted and a sample was collected for bacteriology.
The microorganism was identified based on morphological
and colonial characteristics, besides biochemical standard tests,
and tested for susceptibility to fifteen antimicrobial drugs, as
gentamicin (10 µg), ciprofloxacin (5 µg), norfloxacin (10µg),
enrofloxacin (5µg), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination (10
µg), ampicillin (10µg), cephalexin (30 mcg), cefadroxil (30 mcg),
cephalotin (30mcg), ceftazidim (30 mcg), ceftriaxone (30 mcg),
ceftiofur (30 mcg), azithromycin (15 mcg), chloramphenicol (30
mcg) and streptomicin (10 mcg).
Bacteriology confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aerugi-
nosa in pure culture. The isolate showed in vitro susceptibility
only to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ceftazidime. It also pre-
sented intermediate results to streptomycin, enrofloxacin, genta-
micin, ceftriaxone and azithromycin. According to these results
norfloxacin (20 mg/kg PO, SID – Norflagen; Agener união) was
used for 45 days, till complete remission of the clinical signs.
Treatment of P. aeruginosa infections is challenging, since some
strains have developed multidrug resistance. Isolation and culture
of the bacterium followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing
is mandatory for a successful therapy.

B. Penna, R. Varges, G. Martins, C. Cabral,

S. Thomé, S. Gallardo, W. Lilenbaum.
Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal
Fluminense. Rua Prof. Hernani Mello, 101 sala 309,
Niterói – RJ, Brazil, CEP 24210-130

References
ADAMO, P. F., & CHERUBINI, G. B. (2001) Discospondylitis associated with three unre-
ported bacteria in the dog. Journal of Small Animal Practice 42, 352-355
JACKSON, L. C., & PACCHIANA, P. D. (2004) Common complications of fracture repair.
Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice 19, 168-179.

504 Journal of Small Animal Practice • Vol 50 • September 2009 • © 2009 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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