Mycoplasma infection of the middle ear in three cats

Mycoplasma spp. are commensal organisms found in association with the mucus membranes of all mammalian species and are implicated in bacterial infections of many different locations. Mycoplasma spp. as a primary pathogen associated with otitis media in cats has not been reported.

To describe three cats with Mycoplasma infection of the middle ear associated with various underlying disease processes.

Three client-owned cats.

Clinical examination, aerobic culture of the middle ear and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull.

Mycoplasma spp. were grown on aerobic culture from the middle ear of three cats. In Case 1, concurrent neoplasia of the bulla was identified. Mycoplasma alone was cultured in Case 2 and Mycoplasma was grown in addition to Bordetella in Case 3. Case 1 was euthanized, Case 2 responded to Mycoplasma targeted therapy and Case 3 responded to Bordetella targeted therapy.

Mycoplasma infections of the middle ear may be clinically important and require targeted treatment in some cases.