What is Bordetella and how is it treated?
Bordetella is a common bacterial pathogen of the respiratory system of dogs. It is less common in cats. There are numerous antibiotic treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness against these bacteria. Some strains are resistant to treatment. A bacterial culture of respiratory secretions, with antibiotic susceptibility pattern, may be required to identify the most effective treatment. If the bacterial infection is contributing to kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis), cough suppressants and bronchodilators may be prescribed, along with antibiotics. Most patients can be successfully treated as outpatients; this is encouraged because kennel cough is very contagious. The typical course is 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases of kennel cough. The course may be limited by restricting activity. For more information you may want to read about kennel cough in the VetCentric encyclopedia. Your veterinarian can offer you many treatment options, if necessary.
