Rare Case of Pasteurella canis Bacteremia from Cellulitis

Pasteurella (P.) canis bacteremia is rare with only five reported cases in the literature, which was likely correlated with a state of immunosuppression. A 59-year-old male with a history of right lower extremity (RLE) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis presented for a two week duration of RLE pain, swelling, erythema, and open wounds. The patient admitted that his dog has regularly licked his wounds in the past week. Laboratory investigations and imaging confirmed cellulitis and P. canis bacteremia. Additionally, punch skin biopsies showed his SCC is well differentiated and invasive. The patient was started on empirical intravenous antibiotics. Once deemed medically stable and asymptomatic, the patient was discharged from the hospital on culture directed oral antibiotics. He was also educated on wound care and wound hygiene with his dog. It is important for the general practitioner to know that P. canis bacteremia is possible, although rare. Additionally, it is useful to know that patients without animal bites and immunosuppression are at risk of bacteremia. Finally, with the appropriate antibiotics, P. canis bacteremia can have a favorable prognosis.