Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and outcomes of Bordetella bronchiseptica respiratory
By Marshall, Grace R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2026·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of Bordetella bronchiseptica respiratory infections in dogs diagnosed at a tertiary care institution.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 59 dogs, including many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Yorkshire Terriers, were diagnosed with Bordetella bronchiseptica, a serious respiratory infection. Most of these dogs showed symptoms for about 30 days, with nearly 40% suffering from severe cases like pneumonia. Some dogs had other respiratory issues that made their infections harder to treat. While co-infections with Mycoplasma were common, they didn't seem to affect the outcomes. Understanding these patterns can help vets better manage and treat dogs with this infection.
People also search for: dog coughing Bordetella bronchiseptica · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel respiratory infection · Yorkshire Terrier pneumonia treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is a common respiratory infection in dogs with potentially serious clinical consequences. A subset of Bb cases require referral to tertiary care institutions, yet these dogs lack characterization. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Describe the clinical features, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with Bb infections at a tertiary care institution, and evaluate risk factors associated with severe, refractory, or recurrent Bb infections. ANIMALS: Fifty-nine client-owned dogs diagnosed with Bb infections at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study (1995-2024). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with negative disease outcomes. RESULTS: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) and Yorkshire Terriers were overrepresented (17.0% and 10.2%, respectively) when compared with hospital admissions from the same period (P <.0001 for both). Nearly 80% of infections were classified as chronic in this population, with a median duration of clinical signs of 30 days. Approximately 40% of cases were classified as severe infections (ie, pneumonia), whereas 54% were classified as refractory. Recurrent Bb infections were uncommon (7%). Mycoplasma spp. coinfections were reported in 37% of cases but were not associated with outcomes. Although no variables were identified as predictors of severe disease, respiratory tract comorbidities (eg, brachycephaly) were associated with refractory infections (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Yorkshire Terriers and CKCS were overrepresented for Bb infections in a referral population, which could indicate underlying risk factors within these breeds. Structural respiratory tract abnormalities may predispose dogs to refractory Bb infections.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42059462/