In this report, a chronic sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline resulted in the resolution of chronic cough, exercise intolerance and labored breathing, and prevented recurrence of suspected bacterial pneumonia in the long-term in a dog with severe bronchiectasis.
Veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to dogs with primary or secondary bacterial pneumonia. Most common antibiotics include Doxycycline, Fluoroquinolone and Amoxicillin-clavulanic Acid.
BACKGROUND. Doxycycline has been recommended as a treatment option for non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. We sought to review the evidence for the efficacy of doxycycline in adult patients with mild-to-moderate CAP.
Treating Pneumonia in Dogs
Common medications prescribed by vets for the treatment of infectious bacterial or aspiration pneumonia in dogs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for fever and pain, and bronchodilators and expectorants for coughing and breathing problems.
Doxycycline starts working in as little as 2 hours after taking it. But depending on the infection you have, it may take up to 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) to start seeing its effects. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for doxycycline to fully clear an infection, but some infections can take as long as 2 months.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, however, visible effects may take a few days to be recognized.
The typical pneumonia treatment plan consists of rest, antibiotics, and increased fluid intake. You should take it easy even if your symptoms begin to subside. Depending on the cause of pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication instead of an antibiotic.
Typically, recovery takes at least 3 to 5 weeks, and your dog will likely need antibiotics for at least 4 weeks. Your vet may want to take chest X-Rays after your pooch has been on antibiotics for 2 weeks to check progress and tell how much longer they will need medications and rest to recover.
The most common cause of pneumonia is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. Canine distemper virus, adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus cause damage to the airways and make the animal susceptible to the development of pneumonia.
Dogs that have bacterial pneumonia usually have a high fever, difficulty breathing, decreased exercise tolerance (tire easily), are lethargic, and/or have a cough. Other signs that may be present include a nasal discharge, loud breathing, rapid breathing, weight loss, anorexia, and dehydration.
Contact your GP or 111 online if your symptoms do not improve within 3 days of starting antibiotics. Symptoms may not improve if: the bacteria causing the infection is resistant to antibiotics – a GP may prescribe a different antibiotic, or they may prescribe a second antibiotic for you to take with the first one.
The findings, based on clinical observations, suggest that both antibiotics were equally effective in providing prompt improvement and complete resolution of the infection, only 7 of the 134 receiving doxycycline and 13 of the 133 patients receiving amoxycillin failing to show a satisfactory response.
Because doxycycline kills a wide range of bacteria that can infect the respiratory system, it is commonly prescribed for pneumonia and bronchitis. It is also widely used for treating acne and infections of the urinary and genital systems.
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia in dogs and cats may include a moist or productive cough, rapid respiratory (breathing) rate, nasal discharge, loud breathing sounds, malaise/depression, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss.
The present case report showed clinical efficacy of a sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline in the long-term management of bronchiectasis in a dog by resolving chronic clinical signs, such as cough, labored breathing and exercise intolerance, as well as by preventing recurrent bacterial pneumonia.
Pneumonia in dogs can be fatal if left untreated. So it's important to seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of pneumonia in your pooch. What treatment your dog receives depends on the type of pneumonia your dog has and may include: Antibiotics, which kill bacteria.
Infectious Pneumonia
Bacteria may also be the primary cause of pneumonia with certain diseases such as Bordetella, the bacteria that causes kennel cough. As a pet parent, it's very important to be aware of these three infectious causes of pneumonia as well as how they are extremely contagious to other dogs.
Fungal pneumonia – occurs when a dog inhales fungal spores from the dirt which cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs. This is the most difficult type of pneumonia to treat and symptoms can linger for up to six months.
Oxygen Support May Be Necessary
Pets with moderate-to-severe pneumonia require hospitalization. These pets are not eating or drinking, are lethargic and may not be breathing normally. Pets with difficulty breathing will need to be placed on oxygen until breathing returns to normal.
As pneumonia progresses, it has four stages: Congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution. You'll typically feel worse during the first three stages before feeling better during the final stage when the immune cells clear the infection.
See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up pus. It's especially important that people in these high-risk groups see a doctor: Adults older than age 65.
The phenomenon of pneumonia recurrence early after end of treatment is not uncommon.
Types of Antibiotics for Pneumonia
Healthy adults under 65 years with pneumonia are typically treated with a combination of amoxicillin plus a macrolide like Zithromax (azithromycin) or sometimes a tetracycline like Vibramycin (doxycycline).
Most cases of kennel cough are caused by viral illnesses, so antibiotics are not warranted. However, in cases where the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, such as shelter situations, antibiotics may be prescribed. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline.