Mycoplasmal respiratory infections in small animals: 17 cases (1988-1999)

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.