Actinomyces and Nocardia

Actinomyces and Nocardia are two types of bacteria that are found in soil. Actinomyces and Nocardia normally are harmless for most dogs and cats and rarely cause infection. However, if either of these bacteria do cause an infection, it can be severe and difficult to eradicate. Bacterial resistance is common for some species of Nocardia bacteria. Fortunately, antibiotic resistance is not usually problem for Actinomyces. Infections of the skin by these organisms are typically abscess (large pockets of pus), though infections occasionally can be multiple smaller bumps or nodules. In cats, Nocardia can cause open wounds that do not heal and remain open and draining, similar to Mycobacteria infections. These infections can be difficult to diagnose. However, veterinary dermatologists are familiar with these types of infections