Necrotizing fasciitis in a dog

Abstract

A 7-year-old male intact Briard was presented with limping, fever and a painful swelling of the left hind leg. Physical examination revealed clinical findings consistent with a state of compensated shock, and demonstrated ecchymosis and an extremely painful edema of the left hind leg. Cytology of the extracellular subcutaneous fluid revealed large quantities of cocci. A bacteriological culture confirmed the presence of beta-hemolytic streptococci of Lancefield group G. Necrotizing fasciitis was diagnosed based on the combination of the clinical findings, the culture results and the surgical findings. Two surgical interventions were performed and large amounts of necrotic and affected tissue were removed. After seven days of intensive treatment, the dog was discharged. Two weeks postoperatively, the dog had fully recovered, regained function of the limb, and the wound was completely healed.