Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycoplasmal respiratory infections in small animals: 17 cases (1988-1999).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Chandler, John C & Lappin, Michael R
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
In a study of 17 pets, which included 14 dogs and 3 cats, researchers found that a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma was the only germ causing respiratory problems in their airways. The pets had various issues, with pneumonia, airway collapse, and bronchitis being the most common diagnoses. Follow-up information was available for 14 of these pets, and 8 of them showed improvement or complete recovery after being treated with specific medications for Mycoplasma. This suggests that Mycoplasma can be a significant cause of breathing problems in both dogs and cats. Overall, the treatment worked for many of the affected pets.
Abstract
Seventeen cases (i.e., 14 dogs and three cats) were identified as having Mycoplasma spp. as the sole bacterial isolate cultured from airway washings in 224 cases evaluated for lower respiratory disease that was present in each case. Primary diagnoses included pneumonia (35.3%), airway collapse (35.3%), and bronchitis (29.4%). Fourteen cases had follow-up information available. Of these cases, eight showed resolution or improvement with antimycoplasmal drugs. Mycoplasma spp. is recognized as a primary cause of respiratory disease in several species, including humans. The relationship between Mycoplasma spp. and respiratory disease detected in some of these cases suggests some Mycoplasma spp. may act as primary pathogens in dogs and cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11908828/