Neutrophilic polyarthritis associated with Staphylococcus coagulans bacteraemia in a dog

Abstract

Staphylococcus coagulans (formerly Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans) is a common opportunistic pathogen of dogs that has generally been associated with superficial infections of the skin and ear canals. Here, we describe isolation of S. coagulans from blood and urine of an 8‐year‐old German Shepherd dog that was evaluated for progressive shifting‐limb lameness, anorexia and lethargy. Cytologic analysis of synovial fluid from multiple joints revealed large numbers of non‐degenerate neutrophils, which is consistent with neutrophilic polyarthritis. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of S. coagulans bacteraemia in a dog.