Mycoplasma cynos‐Associated Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex Pneumonia in 13 Dogs

TL;DR

This study reports 13 dogs with pneumonia linked to Mycoplasma cynos and canine infectious respiratory disease complex, showing most responded well to antibiotic treatment.

Contribution

The study highlights Mycoplasma cynos as a potential key pathogen in CIRDC clusters through clinical and diagnostic observations.

Findings

Mycoplasma cynos was detected as the sole pathogen in eight out of 13 dogs with CIRDC-associated pneumonia.

Antibiotic treatments like doxycycline and fluoroquinolones were commonly used for at least two weeks.

Twelve dogs survived, suggesting effective treatment outcomes despite the severity of the condition.

Abstract

To report the diagnostic results, treatments, and outcomes in 13 dogs with suspected canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC)‐associated pneumonia and Mycoplasma cynos–positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Retrospective and prospective case series.

Emergency and referral hospital.

Thirteen client‐owned dogs with suspected CIRDC‐associated pneumonia and a positive PCR.

None.

All dogs with history, clinical signs, and radiographs consistent with CIRDC‐associated pneumonia and a positive upper respiratory PCR that presented during a cluster from August 15, 2023, to September 9, 2023, were retrospectively and prospectively included in the series. Among the 13 dogs included, M. cynos was the sole pathogen detected in the airways of eight dogs, while M. cynos and Bordetella bronchiseptica were detected in five dogs. No viral etiologies were detected in this sample. Doxycycline, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and fluoroquinolones were frequently prescribed for ≥2 weeks. Follow‐up was performed until 1 week after resolution of cough, evidence of radiographic resolution, or death of the dog. Twelve dogs survived, and one was euthanized.

Mycoplasma cynos was detected as the sole or co‐occurring infection during this 3‐week period, indicating it may be an important agent in some CIRDC clusters.