Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Respiratory infections in dogs, cats, and horses - what to know
By Snedden, Kimberly et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2025·Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A retrospective analysis of canine, feline, and equine respiratory polymerase chain reaction panels performed at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center (January-December 2023).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Labrador was tested for breathing problems after showing signs of a respiratory infection. The tests revealed that the most common cause of respiratory issues in dogs was a bacteria called Mycoplasma cynos, often found alongside viruses like canine parainfluenza. Acute cases, like this Labrador's, were more likely to show positive results for these pathogens compared to chronic cases. The findings suggest that getting samples collected early during an illness can help vets identify the right cause and provide effective treatment.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · Labrador respiratory infection treatment · Mycoplasma cynos in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results and metadata of canine, feline, and equine respiratory PCR panel assays performed at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center and inform veterinary diagnostic sample submission. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed laboratory data from routine sample submissions to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center for canine, feline, and equine respiratory PCR panels from January 1 through December 31, 2023. Associations were compared between variables using χ2 tests of independence or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 1,902 canine, feline, and equine respiratory panels were performed (705 canine, 189 feline, and 1,008 equine). The most common pathogens were Mycoplasma cynos (canine [66%]), Mycoplasma felis (feline [60%]), and Streptococcus equi subsp equi (equine [39%]). The most common coinfections were canine parainfluenza virus and M cynos (canine), M felis and feline calicivirus (feline), and S equi subsp equi and equine rhinitis virus B (equine). Acute canine cases were more likely to be positive than chronic cases (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.5), with viruses more common than bacteria (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.6 to 8.2). Canine and feline upper respiratory samples had a higher probability of detecting bacteria (χ2 < 0.0001; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1) than viruses (χ2 < 0.04; OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.9). There was a lower probability of detecting bacteria than viruses in equine upper respiratory samples (χ2 < 0.0001; OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the probable pathogens detected in select respiratory panel PCR testing. Timing of sample collection during the respiratory illness may influence pathogen detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acutely collected samples and clinically relevant information should be provided to laboratories to maximize diagnostic outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40139158/