Cutaneous botryomycosis in a Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli)

Abstract A 10-month-old male Campbell's Russian hamster ( Phodopus campbelli ) presented with a mass on the left forelimb. The mass was surgically excised, and the results of histopathology yielded a diagnosis of cutaneous botryomycosis, with corresponding clusters of large colonies of Gram-positive cocci. The results of the bacteriologic examination revealed Staphylococcus epidermidis . There was no evidence of patient immunosuppression based on diagnostic test results (e.g., hematology, plasma biochemistry panel, and serum electrophoresis). The mass recurred 5 months after resection. Surgical treatment was declined by the owner and an attempt to treat with antimicrobial medication was met with limited success. The animal was euthanized 7 months following the initial presentation. On histopathologic examination, a recurrent cutaneous botryomycosis was identified, associated with hepatic and splenic extramedullary granulopoiesis and hepatic pyogranulomas without granules and identifiable bacteria.