Necrotising fasciitis associated with Escherichia coli in a dog.
METHODS
Lameness and limb pain associated with a laceration in the inner thigh of a Border Collie dog progressed over 4 days to extensive necrosis of the full-thickness of skin and subcutaneous (S/C) tissue. A successful outcome was achieved using surgical debridement and intensive supportive care, followed by limited local closure, axial pattern flap development, and free skin grafting.


RESULTS
Clinical findings included severe pain, depression, pyrexia and hypoalbuminaemia, and full-thickness loss of skin from the caudal thigh to the hock. Histopathologically, debrided tissue showed extensive necrosis of the dermis, adipose and muscle tissues, and the presence of numerous Gram-negative rods. Escherichia coli was cultured from deep tissue samples.


METHODS
Necrotising fasciitis (NF) associated with E. coli infection.


CONCLUSIONS
NF associated with E. coli has not been previously reported in dogs. The importance of early diagnosis and surgical debridement is noted and the relevant medical literature is reviewed.
Worth
A J
AJ
Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. A.J.Worth@massey.ac.nz
Marshall
N
N
Thompson
K G
KG
D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*