A 3 year old male neutered Old English Mastiff dog in Parksville, British Columbia presented to a veterinary clinic on April 5-6, 2022 for swelling and pain in the left hindlimb. Radiographs revealed soft tissue swelling and gaseous emphysema of the affected limb, and markedly enlarged popliteal lymph nodes. Bloodwork was abnormal. The affected area of the leg was lanced and drained and it was noted to have liquefactive, purulent material with necrosis. The dog declined while in hospital and was euthanized. On April 12, 2022 Streptococcus canis was isolated on bacterial culture from the skin lesion from the dog.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but rapidly progressive necrotizing skin, soft tissue, and deep fascia infection that is often fatal. In dogs, Streptococcus canis, a group G Streptococcus, has been implicated in most cases. It is strongly recommended that animal owners contact their veterinarian should they notice the following symptoms in their dogs: dullness/ depression, limping/ non-weight bearing, swelling which is painful to touch and leaves an indentation when pushed in, foul odour from lesion, bruised skin, and increased body temperature.