Cefalexina Perros

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Vol. 25, No. 12 December 2003 Comments? Questions? Email: compendium@medimedia.com Web: VetLearn.com • Fax: 800-556-3288

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Bordetella Infections in Dogs and Cats: Treatment and Prevention*
KEY FACTS
University of Missouri-Columbia I Bordetella bronchiseptica has developed resistance to some commonly used antimicrobials. ISupportive care and rest are often the only treatments necessary. I Both intranasal and injectable vaccines are available to help protect dogs and cats. I Research is ongoing to refine current vaccines and develop new ones.

Craig Datz, DVM, DABVP
ABSTRACT: Dogs and cats with respiratory disease caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica are often managed with antibiotic therapy and supportive care,although mild infections may not require treatment. Appropriate antibiotics are based on susceptibility data and the ability to reach therapeutic concentrations in respiratory secretions. Other potentially useful medications include antitussives, bronchodilators, and antiinflammatories. Vaccines are available for both dogs and cats to help prevent bordetellosis, and research is ongoing to refinecurrent products and develop new ones.

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ordetellosis in dogs and cats tends to be a mild, self-limiting disease. 1–4 Clinical signs may last from a few days to a few weeks. Coughing in dogs may be managed by restricting exercise and avoiding excitement.2 Cats with mild respiratory signs often improve with supportive care alone.5 For dogs and cats with systemic clinical signs, a high risk oftransmission to other animals, or preexisting respiratory conditions, recommended medications include antibiotics, antitussives, and antiinflammatories.2,3,6,7 Table 1 lists suggested dosages for useful drugs.3,6–10

ANTIBIOTICS Because Bordetella bronchiseptica colonizes the ciliated epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract, systemic antibiotics may not attain adequate tissue levels atthe site of infection. The bronchial–alveolar–blood barrier limits diffusion, and only drugs of low molecular weight and high lipophilicity achieve therapeutic levels.8 Aerosol (nebulization) and direct intratracheal delivery of antimicrobials may provide higher concentrations.8 When culture and sensitivity results are available, appropriate antibiotics may be chosen after consideringsusceptibility, ability to reach the respiratory tract, cost, and side effects. Historical sensitivities have been published and may also be used to guide antibiotic choices. Treatment should be administered for approximately 2 weeks or for 1 week beyond resolution of clinical signs.3,8,10,11 Penicillins Natural penicillin and aminopenicillins (ampicillin and amoxicillin) are commonly used for small animalrespiratory tract infections, but B. bronchiseptica
*A companion article appears on p. 896.

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Bordetella Infections: Treatment and Prevention 903

has shown resistance in most studies, except when amoxicillin is combined with clavulanate (Clavamox, Pfizer).12–17 Penicillins do not penetrate well into bronchial secretions, which may limit efficacy intracheobronchitis.8 Moderate resistance to amoxicillin– clavulanate was seen in one field study,18 but this medication may be useful in rhinitis or when other susceptible bacteria are involved in respiratory infections.10 A report from England showed a significant decrease in coughing associated with tracheobronchitis with the use of either ampicillin or amoxicillin.19

Table 1. Drugs Used inthe Treatment of Bordetellosis3,6–10 Drug
Antibiotics Amikacin Amoxicillin–clavulanate Azithromycin Chloramphenicol Doxycycline Enrofloxacin Gentamicin Marbofloxacin Tetracycline Trimethoprim–sulfadiazine Supportive Medications Aminophylline Butorphanol Codeine Hydrocodone Prednisone Theophylline Theophylline extended release

Canine Dosage (mg/kg)a
15–20 q24h IV, IM, SC 12.5–25 q12h 3.3 q24h...