Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
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).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Snedden, Kimberly et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the results of tests for respiratory infections in dogs, cats, and horses conducted at a diagnostic center in New York throughout 2023. A total of 1,902 tests were analyzed, with the most common germs found being Mycoplasma cynos in dogs, Mycoplasma felis in cats, and Streptococcus equi subsp equi in horses. The research found that dogs and cats with recent respiratory issues were more likely to test positive for infections compared to those with long-standing problems, and that viruses were more frequently detected than bacteria in these cases. The findings suggest that when samples are taken during the early stages of illness, they are more likely to show the presence of the pathogens responsible for the respiratory issues. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of timely sample collection and providing relevant clinical information to improve diagnostic results.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40139158/