Canine Infections | Infections in Dogs

Anaerobic infections in dogs are commonly associated with infections of the oropharynx, the central nervous system, the subcateous space, the musculoskeletal system, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, and the female genital tract, and they are relatively common in animals with aspiration pneumonia or consolidated lung lobes. Dogs and cats with gingivitis/stomatitis, rhinitis, retrobulbar abscesses, aspiration pneumonia, pyothorax, otitis media or interna, bite wounds, open wounds, open fractures, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, bacterial hepatitis, pyometra, vaginitis, bacteremia, and valvular endocarditis should be suspected to be infected with anaerobes.

Improving the blood supply and oxygenation of the infected area is the primary goal for treatment of dog infections. Antibiotic therapy should be used concurrently with drainage or debridement. Parenteral antibiotics should be administered for several days in dogs with infections like pyothorax, pneumonia, peritonitis, and clinical signs consistent with bacteremia. Penicillin derivatives, clindamycin, metronidazole, cephalosporins (first and second generation), chloramphenicol are used commonly for the treatment of infections in dogs.

With the exception of Bacteroides fragilis, penicillin derivatives have excellent activity against anaerobes. If gram-negative coccobacilli are detected cytologically in a neutrophilic exudate, particularly if associated with the oral cavity, metronidazole, a first-generation cephalosporin, or clindamycin should be administered instead of a penicillin derivative. Because concurrent anaerobic and aerobic dog infection occur frequently, combination antimicrobial treatment is often indicated, particularly if life-threatening signs of bacteremia exist.

We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.