Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a dog with Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is defined as the presence of altered organ function in an acutely ill patient such that homeostasis could not be mantained without intervention. It is reported that mortality rate in humans with 4 organ systems failing reaches nearly 100%, while there are few publications documenting this syndrome in dogs. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report that describes the clinical manifestations and the favourable outcome to intensive medical care in a dog with Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia and multiple organ dysfunction with 6 organ systems failing. Derangement of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal and coagulation system developed. This dog manifested reversible myocardial depression that is a common complication of sepsis in people but it is rarely reported in dogs.