title: Cat scratch-induced Pasteurella multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In humans, rapidly developing Pasteurella multocida cellulitis after a cat scratch or bite is a well-known entity that sometimes progresses to necrotizing fasciitis and can be fatal.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 3-year-old female spayed whippet dog developed ecchymosis, swelling and pain within 24 h of being scratched by a cat on the ventral thorax. Over the following days, while being treated only with pain medications, the lesions rapidly progressed into haemorrhagic bullae with expanding skin necrosis. A heavy growth of P. multocida was seen on bacterial cultures, and histological examination showed marked, suppurative panniculitis with necrosis of the epidermis, dermis and panniculus. Special histological stains highlighted a moderate amount of Gram-negative coccobacilli admixed with inflammatory cells. Complete resolution was achieved with surgical debridement, skin grafting and intravenous antibiotic treatment. Positive bacterial culture for P. multocida, in conjunction with the history, clinical findings, histology results and the rapid response to therapy, strongly supports a diagnosis of P. multocida necrotizing cellulitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complications of cat bite-associated P. multocida infections in humans are well known. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documentation of P. multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog following a cat scratch wound. This case highlights the rapidity and severity of P. multocida cellulitis, if not recognized and treated early. Veterinarians should include P. multocida in the differential diagnosis of any local wound infection following a cat scratch.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1052 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
authors.forename: Frane
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Banovic
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Linder
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boone
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: K Marcia
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D010326:Pasteurella Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016979:Pasteurella multocida; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002227:Carbazoles; C007005:carprofen