Diagnosis and treatment of a multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii necrotizing fasciitis with critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in a five-month-old North American beaver (Castor canadensis)

Holley S. Muraco; Cynthia R. Hopf-Dennis; Ann D. Heskey; Jason P. Farrell; Pieter J. Steenkamp; Thomas H. Reidarson

doi:10.53607/wrb.v44.314

Authors

Holley S. Muraco Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA
Cynthia R. Hopf-Dennis Cornell Wildlife Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Ann D. Heskey Saucier Veterinary Hospital, Saucier, MS, USA
Jason P. Farrell Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Biloxi, MS, USA
Pieter J. Steenkamp Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Biloxi, MS, USA
Thomas H. Reidarson Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v44.314

Keywords:

North American beaver, Acinetobacter baumannii, corticosteroid insufficiency, one health, multi-drug resistant organism, climate change, necrotizing fasciitis, wildlife rehabilitation

Abstract

A five-month-old North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) undergoing wildlife rehabilitation in Mississippi (MS) USA developed a necrotizing fasciitis across the thoracic and buccal region bilaterally along with weight loss and lethargy. Culture indicated a monomicrobial, multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection. This case demonstrates a potential reservoir in the coastal Mississippi environment with implications for animal and human health. Treatment consisted of amikacin, subcutaneous fluids, prednisone, meloxicam, surgical debridement, topical medications, fluorescent light energy therapy and photobiomodulation. The beaver made a full recovery. Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogen traditionally associated with hospital-acquired infections. This is the first known case of a North American beaver with A. baumannii necrotizing fasciitis with critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency.

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