Disseminated Osteomyelitis Caused by Clostridium novyi in a Cat

The history, clinical signs, laboratory and radiological findings of a cat with polyostotic osteomyelitis are described. A disseminated periosteal reaction involving the femur, humerus and tibia bilaterally was evident on radiographs. The joints were not affected. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was confirmed by bone marrow aspiration and bone biopsy. Clostridium novyi was cultured from the bone marrow.A primary focus of infection was not identified and blood cultures were repeatedly negative. The cat was treated with procaine penicillin G, penicillin V (potassium) and metronidazole. Recovery was uneventful.