Clostridial peritonitis associated with a mast cell tumor in a dog

Recurrent peritonitis caused by Clostridium limosum was associated with a mast cell tumor of a cranial mesenteric lymph node in a dog. The diagnosis of mast cell tumor was obscured because of the peritonitis and the appearance and location of the mass, which resembled an abscess. Since clostridial infections frequently are associated with neoplasia in man, veterinarians should be aware of the possibility of a similar relationship in animals.