Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of Bordetella bronchiseptica respiratory infections in dogs diagnosed at a tertiary care institution.
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.
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.
Fifty-nine client-owned dogs diagnosed with Bb infections at a tertiary care hospital.
Retrospective, observational study (1995-2024). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with negative disease outcomes.
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).
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.
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.
Fifty-nine client-owned dogs diagnosed with Bb infections at a tertiary care hospital.
Retrospective, observational study (1995-2024). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with negative disease outcomes.
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).
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.