Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How doxycycline and oxytetracycline treat Mycoplasma infections
By Çetin, H S et al.·Published in Tropical biomedicine·2021·Pars Veterinary Health Center·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Response to doxycycline and oxytetracycline treatments in cats infected with Mycoplasma spp. and analysis of haemato-clinical findings and risk factors.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats suffering from weakness, loss of appetite, and fever were diagnosed with Mycoplasma infections, which are often linked to flea infestations. The cats were treated with either doxycycline or oxytetracycline, with doxycycline showing a higher recovery rate of 87.5% compared to 67.6% for oxytetracycline. Most cats showed significant improvement within four days of starting treatment, and their clinical symptoms resolved shortly after. The study highlights the importance of flea control and regular vaccinations to prevent these infections in cats.
People also search for: cat weakness treatment · Mycoplasma infection in cats · doxycycline for cats · flea control for cats · cat loss of appetite原因
Abstract
This study was planned to determine the efficacy of doxycycline and oxytetracycline in the treatment of feline Mycoplasma spp. infections and to analyze risk factors as well as clinical and haematological findings. Cats accepted to the clinic with complaints such as weakness, loss of appetite and fever were routinely examined. Clinical history of animal was demanded from the owner. An interview and a short questionnaire were conducted to owner to evaluate the risk factors associated with possible Mycoplasma status of animal. During the interview, the age, sex, breed, housing, flea infestation, worm control, external parasite control, other accompanying infections and vaccination status of cats were asked and the data recorded. Peripheral blood smears were stained with the DIFF-QUICK. Fifty positive cats were included in the study, 16 of which were treated with doxycycline (orally, 5 mg/kg twice a day) while other 34 with oxytetracycline (intramuscular injection, 10 mg/kg once a day). It was determined that all (100%) cats with Mycoplasma spp. infection had a flea infestation. Majority of cats (94%) did not receive the regular antiparasitic application and only 6 (12%) of them had complete vaccinations. Mycoplasma spp. infection was associated with younger age and outdoor access. Among the feline breed, striped cat (74%) was more prone to infection. The most common clinical signs encountered in cats were weakness (94%) and anorexia (84%). Haematological parameters revealed thrombocytopenia (86%), and anaemia (40%) in infected cats. At the end of the treatment, recovery rates for doxycycline and oxytetracycline groups were 87.5% and 67.6%, respectively. General status of these cats indicated significant improvement on the 4day of treatment, and clinical symptoms are restored on theday. Mycoplasmosis is an important infection for cats having anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Flea infestations are risk factor for contamination of the disease. Based on our results, we recommend doxycycline treatment (5 mg/kg) for up to 21 days for elimination of Mycoplasma spp. in the blood of infected cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34172704/