Possible antibiotic-associated colitis in a dog

A Poodle referred for renal disease developed severe colonic disease characterized by total mucosal collapse and necrosis. The onset of colonic disease was temporally related to administration of antibiotics. On 3 occasions, bacterial culture of fecal samples yielded only Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, suggesting that the colonic bacterial flora was severely disrupted. Findings, although not conclusive, were suggestive of antibiotic-associated colitis that ultimately proved fatal. Colonoscopy should be considered for dogs with unduly severe large-bowel diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment and can be done with minimal restraint and bowel preparation, if necessary. Nonselective bacterial culture of fecal samples should be considered for dogs with unduly severe large-bowel diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment.