[Multiorgan failure and peripheral gangrene following a superficial dog bite]

One case of life-threatening disease caused by the gram-negative rod Capnocytophaga canimorsus and a similar case without verification are presented. The severe diseases developed two to three days after a superficial dog bite and were characterized by acute development of septicaemia and fulminant disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Moreover, the cases were complicated by renal failure, respiratory insufficiency and peripheral gangrene.