Osteomyelitis associated with Bartonella henselae infection in a young cat
A one-year-old male intact domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for acute onset non-weightbearing left forelimb lameness and generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy. CT identified a monostotic aggressive bone lesion with an incomplete fracture of the left radial metaphysis.
Bone aspirates yielded osteoblasts with minimal nuclear atypia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a nodular spleen and lymphadenopathy; cytologically, both contained lymphoid hyperplasia. A urine histoplasma antigen test was negative.
Bartonella henselae and Mycoplasma haemominutum DNA was amplified by PCR from peripheral blood. Indirect immunofluorescence documented strong B henselae immunoreactivity, with lower Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii and Bartonella koehlerae antibody titers.
After the administration of doxycycline and pradofloxacin for suspected Bartonella-induced osteomyelitis, lameness resolved rapidly. Six-week post-treatment radiographs identified healing of the affected bone, and Bartonella species enrichment blood culture was negative. B. henselae antibody titers decreased four-fold over a year, supporting seroreversion.
The authors conclude that B. henselae is a flea-transmitted, host-adapted species, not previously implicated as a cause of osteomyelitis in cats. B. henselae subclinical bacteremia is highly prevalent among cats. However, bacteremia has been associated with lymphadenopathy and febrile illness in cats. This report describes a unique clinical presentation in association with B. henselae infection in a cat.
Jamie Hui, et al. “Osteomyelitis associated with Bartonella henselae infection in a young cat.” JFMS Open Rep. 2022 Sep 17;8(2):20551169221124910. doi: 10.1177/20551169221124910
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