Osteomyelitis is a rare manifestation of cat-scratch disease in patients who do not have AIDS. The clinical presentation and non-specific subacute course of the disease make diagnosis difficult.

We present a child with osteomyelitis of a metacarpal following a dog scratch. Bartonella henselae was found to be the aetiological agent. The bone healed after treatment with antibiotics. Increased awareness and a comprehensive medical history are needed to identify patients with suspected Bartonella henselae osteomyelitis.