When we think of respiratory infections in dogs, bacteria like Staphylococcus may not be the first culprits that come to mind. However, these sneaky pathogens, commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes, can wreak havoc on your dog’s lungs, leading to serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis. From everyday sniffles to life-threatening infections, Staphylococcus species like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are often the unseen villains behind respiratory distress in dogs. In this post, we’ll dive into:
- How these bacteria cause respiratory problems
- The signs and symptoms of bronchitis and pneumonia in dogs
- The specific Staphylococcus species that can contribute to these infections
- What veterinarians—and dog owners—need to know to keep them in check.
What is Staphylococcus?
Staphylococcus includes species that are gram-positive bacteria that are commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of both humans and animals, including dogs. While they are often part of the normal flora, under certain conditions, they can become pathogenic, leading to a variety of infections. Among the infections caused by Staphylococcus in dogs, respiratory infections—such as pneumonia and bronchitis—can be particularly severe.
Staphylococcal Pneumonia in Dogs
Pneumonia is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, typically as a result of infection. Staphylococcus species, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, are often involved in cases of bacterial pneumonia in dogs. These bacteria may colonize the respiratory tract when a dog’s immune system is weakened, or they may act as secondary invaders following a viral respiratory infection (e.g., canine distemper or canine influenza).
Staphylococcal pneumonia in dogs often begins with the inhalation of the bacteria or the migration of bacteria from other parts of the body, such as the skin or bloodstream, to the lungs. The bacteria trigger an intense inflammatory response, leading to the accumulation of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, macrophages) and fluid in the alveoli, which compromises lung function.
Symptoms of Staphylococcal Pneumonia
Dogs with staphylococcal pneumonia may present with fever, harsh respiratory sounds, and rapid, shallow breathing. Radiographs may reveal areas of consolidation or fluid buildup in the lungs. They also may show signs of:
- Coughing, often productive
- Nasal discharge, sometimes purulent or bloody
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Staphylococcal Bronchitis in Dogs
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can be acute or chronic. In dogs, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is one of the most common bacterial species associated with chronic bronchitis, although other species like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus schleiferi can also play a role.
Staphylococcus species may colonize the bronchi, causing inflammation and damage to the mucous membranes. This results in the excessive production of mucus, which leads to coughing and airway obstruction. In many cases, staphylococcal bronchitis occurs after a primary viral infection that weakens the respiratory defenses.
Symptoms of Staphylococcal Bronchitis
- Persistent dry or productive cough
- Wheezing
- Mucous discharge from the nose or throat
- Exercise intolerance
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
In chronic cases, bronchitis caused by Staphylococcus can be challenging to treat and may require long-term management, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Common species involved in respiratory infections: how to identify and treat them in your pup!
The most common Staphylococcus species involved in respiratory infections include:
- Staphylococcus aureus: While more common in humans, this species can cause opportunistic lung infections in dogs, particularly if they are immunocompromised.
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: A leading cause of respiratory infections in dogs, this species often contributes to secondary bacterial pneumonia following a viral infection.
- Staphylococcus schleiferi: Known for its role in wound infections, this species can occasionally be involved in respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
- Staphylococcus haemolyticus: Coagulase-negative but still a potential pathogen in the lungs of immunosuppressed dogs.
Oftentimes, staphylococcal respiratory infections are diagnosed using a combination of clinical signs, radiography (X-rays), and blood tests may also show elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an ongoing infection. However, to effectively treat the infection, many veterinarians will opt to use tests that identify these specific Staphylococcus species. Most often, traditional tests that many veterinarians use to identify Staphylococcus (like culture or PCR) can’t identify specific Staphylococcus species that particularly contribute to respiratory issues in dogs. This is where MiDOG can help! Unlike culture or PCR tests which often cannot identify specific Staphylococcus species, MiDOG uses Next-Generation Sequencing to simultaneously identify multiple species that may be contributing to your dog’s respiratory infection! This NGS testing technique is more effective at identifying pathogens AND takes much less time to get the results back, so you can be sure you dog will be treated more effectively and faster than if your veterinarian used traditional testing!
How to treat respiratory infections in dogs.
The treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia and bronchitis in dogs typically involves the use of antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity testing to determine the most effective antibiotic. Common antibiotics used include:
- Cephalexin
- Clindamycin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Fluoroquinolones (in resistant cases)
In cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), more specific antibiotics like vancomycin may be required. Supportive care such as nebulization, oxygen therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the condition. MiDOG tests can also identify which antibiotics your pup may be more resistant to versus those medications that may help improve their condition more effectively!
Conclusion
Staphylococcal infections, particularly involving species like Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Staphylococcus schleiferi, can lead to significant respiratory conditions in dogs, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing these infections and preventing complications. Veterinarians should be vigilant when respiratory symptoms are present, especially in dogs with a history of viral infections, skin infections, or weakened immune systems.
References:
Boost, M. V., O’DONOGHUE, M. M., & James, A. (2008). Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus carriage among dogs and their owners. Epidemiology & Infection, 136(7), 953-964.
Lynch, S. A., & Helbig, K. J. (2021). The complex diseases of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in canines: where to next?. Veterinary sciences, 8(1), 11.
Moyaert, H., de Jong, A., Simjee, S., Rose, M., Youala, M., El Garch, F., … & Morrissey, I. (2019). Survey of antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from dogs and cats with respiratory tract infections in Europe: ComPath results. Journal of applied microbiology, 127(1), 29-46.
Categories: Bacterial Infections, Dogs, Next-Gen DNA Sequencing Technology, Pet Health, Safety and Wellness, Pet Parents, Respiratory Infection
