SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Fido Laryngitis: A Case of Dog Induced Odynophagia

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This case report describes a rare presentation of <strong>Pasteurella multocida</strong> infection in a 73-year-old woman with <strong>relapsed ovarian cancer</strong> and relative immunocompromise. She presented to oncology clinic with <strong>sore throat, dry cough, and fatigue</strong>. Initial throat swab and blood cultures were obtained. The next day, blood cultures grew <strong>gram-negative rods</strong>, prompting her to present to the emergency department, where she had <strong>fever, right-sided neck fullness, and cervical lymphadenopathy</strong>. Both blood and throat cultures confirmed <strong>Pasteurella multocida</strong>.

The patient reported <strong>no bite, scratch, or skin wound</strong>, but did have <strong>close contact with a family pet</strong>, highlighting that infection can occur without direct trauma. CT imaging of the neck showed <strong>soft tissue stranding around the upper trachea</strong> extending into surrounding tissues, consistent with <strong>tracheitis and laryngitis</strong> with mild airway narrowing.

She completed a <strong>14-day course of antibiotics</strong> administered through her chemotherapy port, and repeat blood cultures at follow-up were negative.

The report emphasizes that <strong>Pasteurella multocida</strong> is a common organism in domestic animals, especially cats and dogs, and most human infections involve <strong>cellulitis after a bite or scratch</strong>. However, <strong>immunocompromised patients</strong>—including those with cancer or asplenia—are at increased risk for <strong>atypical and potentially life-threatening infections</strong>, including bacteremia.

The authors conclude that clinicians should counsel immunocompromised patients about exposure risks from pets and maintain a broad differential when evaluating sore throat or neck symptoms, because unusual pathogens like <strong>P. multocida</strong> may present as <strong>odynophagia, laryngitis, or tracheitis</strong> rather than typical skin infection.

Asset Subtitle

Lydia Meece

Meta Tag

Author List Aneesa Afroze, Danielle Gilbert, Jonathone Yang, Lydia Meece

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Pasteurella multocida

Concept Immunocompromised State

Concept Zoonotic Pathogen

Concept Cellulitis

Concept Bacteremia

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization MercyOne Des Moines

Presenting Author Lydia Meece

Track Adult

Keywords

Pasteurella multocida

ovarian cancer

immunocompromised

bacteremia

tracheitis

laryngitis

cervical lymphadenopathy

pet exposure

gram-negative rods

antibiotic therapy

Pasteurella multocida

Immunocompromised State

Zoonotic Pathogen

Cellulitis

Bacteremia