Meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri in a dog

A case of meningoencephalitis in a dog caused by Staphylococcus warneri is reported here. The history and clinical signs were suggestive of possible central nervous system infection. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid documented a neutrophilic pleocytosis (890 cells/mul) and the presence of occasional intracellular cocci. Staphylococcus warneri was isolated from the microbiological culture of the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, supportive care and anticonvulsants for the generalised seizures that developed after admission. Histological assessment confirmed the location and extension of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Thrombotic meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri infection has not, to the authors' knowledge, been previously reported in dogs.