Cat-scratch disease osteomyelitis from a dog scratch

Osteomyelitis is a rare manifestation of cat-scratch disease in patients wh o do not have AIDS. The clinical presentation and non-specific subacute cou rse of the disease make diagnosis difficult. We present a child with osteomyelitis of a metacarpal following a dog scrat ch. Bartonella henselae was found to be the aetiological agent. The bone he aled after treatment with antibiotics. Increased awareness and a comprehens ive medical history are needed to identify patients with suspected Bartonel la henselae osteomyelitis.