Brasil
Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology
Sumário Anterior Atual Seguinte
Sumário
Article - Human and Animal Health • Braz. arch. biol. technol. 66 • 2023 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4324-2023230096 linkcopy

Open-access The Effect of Cefovecin Sodium in Shelter Dogs with Bacterial Lower Respiratory Disease

AuthorshipSCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of cefovecin sodium in shelter dogs with bacterial lower respiratory disease. All dogs (n = 32) with lower respiratory disease were divided into two treatment groups: the cefovecin (n = 16) and the ceftriaxone (n = 16) groups. On the first five days and the 8th day of treatment, and after treatment (15th day), the examination of all dogs was performed. Blood analysis and thoracic radiographic imaging were done. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, in the cefovecin group, Bordetella bronchiseptica (n=13), Staphylococcus spp. (n=9), Streptococcus spp. (n=7), Klebsiella pneumonia (n=1); in the ceftriaxone group; B. bronchiseptica (n=5), Escherichia coli (n=5), Pasteurella canis (n=4), Streptococcus spp. (n=3), Staphylococcus aureus (n=1), Pasteurella aerogenes (n=1) and Klebsiella oxytoca (n=1) were isolated and identified. Cefovecin and ceftriaxone sodium treatment protocols had anti-bacterial efficacies of 68.75% and 100%, respectively. In light of the study results, it is concluded that although cefovecin sodium looks to be an antibacterial drug that may be used to treat bacterial lower respiratory tract infections in shelter dogs due to its ease of use, cefovecin and other cephalosporins should not be used empirically as they may contribute to bacterial resistance.

Keywords:
Bacterial lower respiratory infection; cefovecin; clinical efficacy; empirically treatment; shelter dog

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bacterial respiratory disease can occur in shelter dogs on occasion.

• Empirical antimicrobial drug selection may be performed based on etiologic consideration.

• Cefovecin sodium seems suitable for the empirical treatment of shelter dogs.

• Cefovecin should only be used on a case-by-case basis.

INTRODUCTION

Even though the primary causative agents are viruses, bacteria are also causative agents secondary to viruses in the aetiology of respiratory diseases in dogs [1-3]. The prevalence of infectious respiratory diseases, especially in environments where the dogs are densely hosted, such as temporary animal shelters and research centres, is quite high and can progress to severe outbreaks [4,5].

The most common among respiratory diseases in dogs housed in shelters is canine infectious respiratory disease [6]. This disease, also known as the Kennel Cough Complex, common in dogs rehabilitated in crowded environments is a complex respiratory disease that can progress with anorexia, depression, vomiting, fever, dry cough, tracheal sensitivity and nasal discharge [5,7-9]. One or more microorganisms other than viral agents are effective in the aetiology of the disease [8,9]. Although viral agents are the primary factors in the pathology of the disease [3], since secondary bacterial agents accompany them at this stage, bacteria may be a serious problem in the treatment of this disease [8]. Bacterial agents such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Pasteurella spp., and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus may have a causative role in shelter dogs suffering respiratory disease [6,10].

Although respiratory diseases of dogs and cats can be presumptively diagnosed based on physical examination and historical findings, for a more accurate approach to respiratory tract diseases, auxiliary diagnostic methods are also needed [11]. Radiographic examination is an important tool used in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases and pathologies in small animal practice [12-15].

Bacterial cultures and cytological examinations of bronchopulmonary secretions can also be helpful for the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract diseases (LRTD) [11,13,16,17]. It has been suggested in many different studies that cytological and bacterial analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) are important in the detection of LRTD [2,16,17]. Based on bacterial culture results, antibacterial treatment is more effective [2,13,18]. But, in the cases where these tests cannot be applied, if antibacterial drugs are to be preferred, they should be chosen according to epidemiological information about the target bacteria at local or regional level [19]. It is reported that respiratory disease is the third most common reason for antibiotic prescriptions in dogs, and among these antibiotics, cefovecin and amoxicillin-clavulanate are the most preferred drugs for this disease [20-22]. Cefovecin is a new, semi-synthetic, long-acting third generation cephalosporin [23] licensed for use in many countries in the European Union, New Zealand, South America, and Asia [24]. Gram-negative organisms that include E. coli, Pasteurella multocida, Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp. (including Klebsiella pneumoniae), and Enterobacter spp., on which cefovecin acts well [23,25], are often isolated from dogs with LRTD [2,6,10,12,26]. It is emphasized that cefovecin might be used in respiratory diseases [19,27], but its possible contribution to antibiotic resistance should also be taken into account [19,21,27].

In this study, considering its use in skin [28], dental [29] and anaerobic infections [25], it was hypothesized that cefovecin, recommended for the treatment of urinary system infections in dogs due to its efficacy and ease of use [30], may also be used in bacterial lower respiratory tract disease, which is common in shelter dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cefovecin in the empirical treatment of bacterial lower respiratory tract disease in shelter dogs with clinical, biochemical, and oxidative parameters by comparing it with ceftriaxone, a member of the 3rd generation of cephalosporins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was approved by the Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee (Approval number, 2015/10-10; Approval date, 30 Dec, 2015).

Study design and animals

The study population consisted of fifty mixed-breed shelter dogs (12 to 48 months of age) with respiratory tract infection symptoms transported from Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Temporary Animal Rehabilitation Centre to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Veterinary Health, Application and Research Hospital. Dogs having respiratory disease signs such as fever, lethargy, anorexia, ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, expectoration, cough, and abnormal lung sounds were included (n= 32) in the study. Dogs with comorbid respiratory tract disease or a medication history for existing respiratory tract disease were excluded from the study (n= 18). All dogs diagnosed with LRTD (n= 32) based on clinical, radiographic and laboratory examinations were divided into treatment groups as Cefovecin Group-Group 1 (n = 16) and Ceftriaxone Group-Group 2 (n = 16).

Clinical examination

The examinations of all dogs were performed by the same veterinary physician before (day 0), during (first four days and day 8), and after (day 15) the treatment. And, modified scoring parameters [2] were used to evaluate the health status of all dogs (Table 1).

Thumbnail
Table 1
Scores and evaluation of clinical parameters.

Laboratory analyses

Anticoagulated (BD PRESETTM, BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, USA; BD EDTA K2, BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, USA) and non-anticoagulated (Vacutainer®, BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, USA) blood samples were collected from all dogs before (day 0), during (day 8), and after (day 15) treatment via cephalic or jugular venipuncture. All dogs underwent a complete blood count (CBC) (Diatron® Abacus Junior Vet, Budapest, Hungary) and venous blood gas analysis (IRMA® TRUPOINTTM, New Jersey, USA). Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (Beckman Coulter AU480 Chemistry Analyzer, USA) and routine serum biochemistry parameters (Siemens Advia 1800® Clinical Chemistry System, Germany) were measured in blood serum samples.

Radiological examination

Radiographic imaging was performed before BAL collection. Two-way (Laterolateral-L/L and Ventrodorsal-V/D) chest radiographs (60-80 kV and 5-20 mAs, Regius ∑II, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) for pre-treatment (day 0) and post-treatment (day 15) were carried out. Chest radiographs were evaluated by the same expert veterinary surgeon in terms of increase in radiopacity (alveolar, interstitial, bronchial, and vascular structure) and decrease (hyperlucency), presence of mass, and calcification. According to the prevalence and density of the lesions in the lung lobes, they were scored as none (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and severe (3).

Collection and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

For microbiological analysis, BAL was collected by a non-bronchoscopic method from all dogs included in the study twice, before and after treatment. Animals were short-time anesthetized with Ketamine HCl (10-20 mg/kg, b.w., i.m., Ketasol® 10%, Richter Pharma AG, Wels-Austria) and Xylazin (1-2 mg/kg, b.w., i.m., Rompun® 2%, Bayer, Germany) to obtain BAL. A 20mL sterile saline solution was used for the collection of BAL samples. BAL samples were collected by using a sterile propylene catheter measuring 2.67 mm × (8 ch) × 500 mm (Feeding tube, Bıçakçılar®, Turkey) via the inserted sterile endotracheal tube, and were sent to the microbiology laboratory for bacteriological analysis within an hour. BAL collection was performed as described previously [2].

Microbiological analysis

BAL samples were quantitatively inoculated on Bordet Gengou agar (Conda pronadisa, Spain), 5% sheep blood agar (bioMerieux, France), EMB (eosin methylene blue) agar (LABM, United Kingdom), and chocolate agar (Conda pronadisa, Spain), and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The incubation period was extended in the presence of poor culture. BAL samples were also stained with the Gram staining method and examined under the microscope at ×100 and ×1000 magnifications. The presence of less than 10 epithelial cells and more than 25 leukocytes at x100 magnification and the presence of leukocytes, epithelial cells, bacteria, and intracellular bacterial cells at x1000 magnification were considered as infection. Isolated bacteria were identified with the Vitek 2 Automatized System (BioMerieux, France). Post-treatment BAL samples were cultured and evaluated in the same way.

The treatment protocol

The treatment protocol was administered as described in Table 2. Antibacterial drug dosage, administration route, and duration were created using literature knowledge [31,32] and recommendation of manufacturers. Treatment responses in dogs in both groups were evaluated by clinical scores (Table 1) on days 1-5, 8, and 15. Dogs were kept in their individualized compartments and fed with commercial dog food during the treatment period, and clean water was provided daily.

Thumbnail
Table 2
Treatment protocol of groups and its applications.

Statistical methods

Considering the number of individuals in the groups (n<30), non-parametric tests were applied. The Mann-Witney test was used to compare obtained data between Groups 1 and 2. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for in-group comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v22 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) and P value < 0.05 was considered significant for all tests.

RESULTS

Differences in clinical scores between groups can be found in Table 3. When evaluated in terms of clinical status, compared to day 0, recovery was observed on the second day (P<0.05) and on the third day (P<0.05) for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The alleviation (return to pink) in mucous membranes in groups one and two was determined on day 1 (P < 0.05) and day 2 (P < 0.001), respectively. A decrease in tracheal sensitivity was seen on day 8 (P < 0.05) in Group 1 and on day 15 (P < 0.05) in Group 2. For both groups, a decrease and characteristic changes in nasal discharge were observed on day 2 (P < 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, an improvement in auscultation was determined on day 2 (P < 0.05) and on day 3 (P < 0.05), respectively. Recovery from cough in Groups 1 and 2 was detected on day 1 (P < 0.05) and on day 2 (P < 0.05), respectively. There were no differences in terms of body temperature, pulse, and respiration rate per minute between days within groups. Although differences were detected in the body temperature (P < 0.05), pulse (P < 0.05) and respiration rate per minute (P < 0.05) between the groups, they ranged within the reference values (Table 3). Except for nasal discharge (P < 0.05), any differences in other clinical parameters were not detected between the groups (Table 3).

Thumbnail
Table 3
Clinical score differences between and within groups (Group-1, n: 16; Group-2, n: 16) according to days.

There was no significant difference in the CBC data between the groups except the value of platelets on the 8th day (P = 0.007) and haemoglobin levels on the 15th day (P = 0.025) (Table 4). In the evaluation of venous blood gas findings (Table 4), it was found that while the difference in Group 1 daily data was not detected, there was an increase (P = 0.006) in pCO2 level between 0-8 days and a decrease (P = 0.002) between 8-15 days in Group 2. In terms of pH, HCO3, and tCO2 values in venous blood gas, it was determined that there was no within-group difference in both groups.

Thumbnail
Table 4
Evaluation of groups (G1, n: 16; G2, n: 16) in terms of complete blood count and venous blood gas results.

Blood serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 before treatment (day 0) (P = 0.010). Total protein levels on the 8th day (P = 0.026) and the 15th day (P = 0.044) were found to be lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2, and creatinine levels on the 8th day (P = 0.018) and the 15th day (P = 0.001) were found to be lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (Table 5). In serum oxidative stress parameters, it was determined that the TAC levels in Group 1 were lower (P = 0.014) and the antioxidant index was higher (P = 0.022) compared to Group 2 before the treatment (day 0) (Table 5).

Thumbnail
Table 5:
The blood chemistry results by days of groups (Group-1, n: 16; Group-2, n: 16).

Radiographic data and scores of groups can be found in Table 6. Increased opacity was detected in all cases. If the lesions encountered in all cases are ranked from mild to severe, it can be said that vascular, alveolar, interstitial, and bronchial patterns are observed. Considering the parameters determined for the lesions, in the radiographs of Group 1, vascular (n = 2), alveolar (n = 5), interstitial (n = 7) and bronchial (n = 7); vascular (n = 1), alveolar (n = 5), interstitial (n = 4) and bronchial (n = 3) healing were observed in Group 2. The lesions were found to have decreased in both groups following treatment. When the total radiography scores (before and after treatment) were evaluated, decreases, increases, and no change in scores were detected in 10 (62.50%), 4 (25%), and 2 (12.50%) of Group 1 animals, and were detected in 7 (43.75%), 4 (25%), and 5 (31.25%) of Group 2 animals, respectively (Table 6). When comparing the two groups, the level of radiographic improvement was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Thumbnail
Table 6
Radiography score results of the Groups.

In the pre-treatment, BAL cultures of dogs in Group 1 (n=16), B. bronchiseptica (11/16, 68.75%), Streptococcus spp. (5/16, 31.25%), Staphylococcus spp. (3/16, 18.75%), and K. pneumoniae (1/16, 6.25%); in the post-treatment, Staphylococcus spp. (6/16, 37.5%), Streptococcus spp. (2/16, 12.5%) and B. bronchiseptica (2/16, 12.5%) were isolated and identified (Table 7). In the pre-treatment BAL cultures of dogs in Group 2 (n:16), Pasteurella canis (4/16, 25%), B. bronchiseptica (4/16, 25%), Streptococcus spp. (3/16, 18.75%), Escherichia coli (2/16, 12.5%), S. aureus (1/16, 6.25%), Pasteurella aerogenes (1/16, 6.25%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (1/16, 6.25%); in the post-treatment, E. coli (3/16, 18.75%) and B. bronchiseptica (1/16, 6.25%) were isolated and identified (Table 7). Although only five cases in Group 1 had initial bacterial agents isolated after treatment, the agents isolated after treatment were shown to be distinct from the cultures obtained before treatment in Group 2. When considered on a case-by-case basis with bacterial isolation before and after treatment, the anti-bacterial effects of cefovecin sodium used in Group 1 and ceftriaxone sodium used in Group 2 were determined as 68.75% (n: 11/16) and 100% (n: 16/16), respectively.

Thumbnail
Table 7
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture results of Groups.

DISCUSSION

After integumentary and digestive system problems in shelter dogs, the most commonly encountered problem is respiratory system disease [33]. Among the diseases of the respiratory system, canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is the most common [34]. Clinical monitoring is very important to evaluate the prognosis of respiratory tract diseases. This is because CIRD is characterised by a dry cough and nasal discharge, showing an acute onset of spread among dogs [35]. It is seen that clinical monitoring has been carried out in several studies conducted on dogs with respiratory tract diseases [2,12,36]. In a study, authors [36] scored based on the character of the nasal discharge, the severity of the cough and body temperature in order to monitor the clinical situation, and benefited from this scoring in the clinical evaluation of the animals during the study. And they emphasize that as the severity of the disease increases, the clinical score also increases. In a study on the aetiology of respiratory disease in dogs, the authors [34] performed clinical scoring with cough, nasal discharge, anorexia, and depression. In another study related to upper respiratory tract disease in cats, clinical scoring was used to evaluate the response to treatment with cefovecin for a period of fourteen days, and parameters such as cough, oculonasal discharge, sneezing, and mobility were used for this purpose [37]. Authors [37] state that there was a significant difference in behaviour on the fifth day in the group treated with cefovecin compared to the first day in the scoring, but there was no difference in terms of oculonasal discharge during the treatment. Unlike Litster and coauthors [37], in the presented study, a significant difference in the clinical status compared to pre-treatment in the cefovecin group was determined after the first week, and the difference in terms of nasal discharge compared to the first day was determined at the end of the treatment. When the clinical parameters were generally evaluated, there was a rapid improvement after the first week in both groups. Therefore, it was concluded that monitoring the clinical parameters discussed in the study for at least one week during the treatment of respiratory tract disease would be beneficial in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

The complete blood count, widely used in clinics [38], is an auxiliary method that provides an assessment of the presence of infection in sick animals [39,40]. Although an increase in the leukogram can be seen in LRTD [39,40], CBC abnormalities are seen inconsistently with bacterial pneumonia in both dogs and cats [14,38]. In the study, similar to the results of a study [12], at the beginning of treatment, the high white blood cell value in both groups can be considered as a sign of active inflammation. It is stated that serum biochemistry changes in respiratory tract diseases are not specific [14,38,39,41]. Similar to Darcy and coauthors [41], in the study, it was determined that there was no change in the blood biochemistry profile and it ranged within the reference limits, and it was considered that the treatments applied in both groups did not have side effects, likely hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, etc.

Although the primary goal of the respiratory system is gas exchange [12,15], the lungs also play a role in maintaining acid-base balance [12]. However, when there is a pathological process that can affect the lungs, as in respiratory diseases, these functions are affected and the organism's compensation mechanisms come into play [12,15]. When the venous blood gas parameters were evaluated in the study, it was found that there was no statistical difference between the groups. However, when the values are examined, the increase in HCO3, which is the compensation mechanism's response to the pH decrease caused by the increase in pCO2 formed in the first week of treatment, stands out and demonstrates that the compensation mechanism works [12]. After the first week, the reverse changes in these values may indicate that the inflammation in the lungs has subsided and begun to return to normal, and thus ventilation and metabolic improvements are provided.

Similar to previous studies [42,43], it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of MDA, the final product of oxidation reactions [44]. On the other hand, it was also found that the MDA value of the study was above the data average of a study [45] that was previously conducted to determine the reference range in healthy dogs. Although there is no statistical difference, in the light of the study results in terms of oxidative stress, both higher levels of TAC and a lower oxidative stress index in the cefovecin treated group suggest that it may have an antioxidant potential in respiratory tract infections.

Radiographic examination is essential for the clinical evaluation of pneumonia cases [14,15]. As a result of inflammatory cell infiltration caused by bacterial, viral, and allergic inflammation of the lungs, the density of bronchial walls and peri-bronchial connective tissues rises, and bronchial structures with air bronchograms appear on radiography [46]. Classical radiographic findings of bacterial bronchopneumonia cases include cranioventral alveolar involvement [14,15]. The reason for this situation is that local defence mechanisms are not effective in the cranioventral lung lobes [14]. Lesions in the caudal lobes suggest more haematogenous spread or inhaled infection [14]. In a study in which the effects of short-term (< 4 weeks) and long-term (> 4 weeks) treatment of bacterial pneumonia cases were evaluated by radiography, it has been reported that in the radiographic evaluations of dogs, there is no difference between short-term and long-term treatments on radiographic images of lung tissue [47]. However, in the radiographs of almost all cases in the presented study, it was determined that the most dominant structure was the bronchial pattern. These structures were found to be able to spread to all lobes, especially the caudal lung lobes, in a linear and reticular fashion due to the increase in opacity, and images similar to dried tree branches were detected. Tubular air bronchograms were also found between the linear and reticular structures. After the treatments, it was determined that these air bronchograms widened, the bronchial walls became thinner, and the amount of normal lung tissue appearance increased. Bronchopneumonia is generally a condition characterized by the formation of mixed bronchial and interstitial structures. This situation may be accompanied by multifocal alveolar structure from time to time [14]. Whichever structural element is dominant in the radiography, the disease is generally evaluated in that category. In the evaluation of radiographs in this study, it can be said that the bronchial structure is the most dominant, and the interstitial structure is observed secondly. When the radiographic, clinical, and microbiological analysis findings of the presented study and the literature knowledge [27] are combined, it may be said that shelter dogs treated in this study suffer from bacterial bronchopneumonia.

Many microorganisms of viral and bacterial origin may play a role alone or together in the aetiology of respiratory disease in dogs [38]. The lower respiratory tract has a unique defence network. The nasopharynx, mucociliary clearance, and cough clear larger than 10µm particles. However, particles smaller than 3µm accumulate in the alveoli. Bacteria often overcome the upper respiratory tract defences when inhaled in droplets or aspirated. So, in healthy animals, bacteria are always isolated from the lower respiratory tract. But unless the total bacterial density, high virulence, and associated direct damage strain the pulmonary defence system, a healthy animal can mostly clear the bacteria from the lower respiratory tract [14]. In previous studies, it is known that various bacterial agents such as B. bronchiseptica, Staphylococcus intermedius, Pseudomonas spp., Pasteurella spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Acinetobacter spp. were isolated in shelter dogs suffering from respiratory disease [2,7,11,18,48]. Epstein and coauthors [33] reported that they isolated mostly gram-negative non-enteric bacteria in respiratory patients and gram-negative enteric bacteria in dogs with respiratory failure. It is reported that K. oxytoca, an opportunistic bacterium, can cause serious infectious diseases [49]. In a study, it was reported that B. bronchiseptica (10.26%) was isolated from dogs with respiratory tract infection [34]. In the same study, it is emphasised that B. bronchiseptica is less isolated from animals with very severe clinical scores, while bacterial agents such as Mycoplasma cynos and Mycoplasma canis are more isolated in severe cases. In their study, Darcy and coauthors [41] expressed that Pasteurella spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., and B. bronchiseptica are commonly isolated agents, respectively. In the presented study, isolated and identified agents (Table 7) were determined similar to previous studies [2,12,33,34]. Considering the data of this study and previous studies, it is seen that more than one and different bacterial species are isolated and identified in canine bacterial lower respiratory disease. It is thought that this difference may arise from individual and environmental diversity.

In canine infectious respiratory disease, it is stated that even if the primary agents are viral agents, bacterial agents other than viral agents may be included in the disease process and even, in some cases, together [1,38]. In this regard, antibacterial drugs are recommended as first-line treatment in pneumonia cases in veterinary medicine [39]. It would be appropriate to select antibacterial agents according to sensitivity test results in the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases in dogs [27]. However, in animal shelters where animal and work density exist [50], and in cases where these tests cannot be performed, it is reported that an empirical choice can be made considering the possible etiological agents, and aminopenicillin, tetracycline, and cephalosporin group antibiotics can be evaluated among the options [1,18,39,48]. The authors [20] state that antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory system diseases in dogs in Europe and that first and second-generation cephalosporins are also included. According to susceptibility tests in cats and dogs, cefovecin is an antibacterial agent that may be used for respiratory tract infections and may be effective for secondary bacterial infections [27]. Even though cefovecin may be useful in secondary respiratory bacterial infections, it is not effective against B. bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma spp. [19,27]. The authors [41] found that all B. bronchiseptica isolates were resistant to cefovecin, but Pasteurella spp. (100%), Staphylococcus spp. (100%), and E. coli (75%) were sensitive. In another study [51], except for Streptococcus sp. (33.3%), sensitivity for cefovecin was detected for Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. isolates as 64.3%, 80%, 90.9%, and 50%, respectively. Similar to a study [30], based on a different system infection also in the presented study, the treatment of infection was tried with antimicrobial drugs containing cefovecin sodium and ceftriaxone sodium in dogs with bacterial lower respiratory tract disease formed naturally. According to the clinical, laboratory, and bacteriological results of the study, the efficacy of treatment protocols created with cefovecin sodium and ceftriaxone sodium was determined as 68.75% and 100%, respectively. Thus, in the light of previous studies and the data of the study presented, it is predicted that although cefovecin sodium seems to be theoretically usable considering one dosage application in the bacterial lower respiratory disease, its clinical success is lower than that of ceftriaxone sodium, which requires repeated administration for 14 days.

The major limitation of the study is that it was designed for an empirical treatment approach for shelter dogs suffering from bacterial lower respiratory disease, so susceptibility tests were not performed. Another limitation of the study is the inability to evaluate the presence of viral agents in the aetiology of all dogs included in the study.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, during the treatment of respiratory disease, it would be appropriate to perform a clinical scoring and radiographic examination in order to evaluate both the prognosis of the disease and the effectiveness of the selected treatment protocol. In addition, it is considered that, considering the ease of application, animal welfare, and economic feasibility, even though cefovecin sodium seems to be preferable as an antimicrobial drug in the treatment of bacterial lower respiratory diseases, it should not be used as a first choice in the empirical treatment of these diseases, particularly in places such as animal shelters and breeding facilities where respiratory system infections are common. So, cefovecin should be used on a case-by-case basis, as its empirical usage may contribute to the development of bacterial resistance. On the other hand, due to the lack of sufficient and detailed research on the usage of cefovecin in respiratory diseases in dogs, further studies including viral agents’ diagnosis, susceptibility results, supportive treatments, dosage regimen, and treatment period should also be conducted in this area.

Acknowledgments

We, the authors, would like to thank Associate Professor Sema Alaşahan and Associate Professor Cafer Tayyar Ateş from the Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Animal Science for their assistance with the statistical analysis of the study. Besides for his contribution to the study, we also wish to thank Associate Professor Zafer CANTEKİN, who left us, and we wish his place to be heaven.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Köse SI, Maden M. [Common Encountered Bacterial Lower Respiratory Diseases in Sheltered Dogs, Diagnosis and Treatment Principles]. J AVKAE. 2014;4:64-76.
  • 2 Köse S, Maden M, Sayin Z. Clinical and bacteriological analysis of respiratory tract infections in sheltered dogs and determination of antibacterial treatment options. J Hell Vet Med Soc. 2021 Jan;72:3491. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.29441
    » https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.29441
  • 3 Gür S, Acar A. An Investigation for Canine Parainfluenzavirus Tip 5 (CPIV5) Infection in Kangal Race Turkish Shepherd Dogs as Serologically. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2008;14:135-9. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2008 20-A.
    » https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2008
  • 4 Steneroden KK, Hill AE, Salman MD. A needs-assessment and demographic survey of infection-control and disease awareness in western US animal shelters. Prev Vet Med. 2011 Jan;98:52-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.11.001
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.11.001
  • 5 Pesavento PA, Hurley KF, Bannasch MJ, Artiushin S, Timoney JF. A clonal outbreak of acute fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia in intensively housed (shelter) dogs caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Vet Pathol. 2008 Jan;45:51-3. https://doi.org/10.1354/vp.45-1-51
    » https://doi.org/10.1354/vp.45-1-51
  • 6 Baldwin CJ. Canine Kennel Cough Complex. In: Miller Lila, Hurley Kate, editors. Infect. Dis. Manag. Anim. Shelter. 1st ed., Ames, Iowa, USA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009, p. 147-59.
  • 7 Maden M, Altunok V, Birdane FM, Aslan V, Nizamlioglu M. Specific enzyme activities in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as an aid to diagnosis of tracheobronchitis and bronchopneumonia in dogs. Res Vet Sci. 2001 Oct;71:141-5. https://doi.org/10.1053/rvsc.2001.0503
    » https://doi.org/10.1053/rvsc.2001.0503
  • 8 Durgut R, Borku MK, Ozkok S, Pekkaya S, Guzel M, Ozkanlar YE. Kennel cough syndrome of dogs observed in Ankara province. Indian Vet J. 2003;80:743-5.
  • 9 Mannering SA, McAuliffe L, Lawes JR, Erles K, Brownlie J. Strain typing of Mycoplasma cynos isolates from dogs with respiratory disease. Vet Microbiol. 2009 Mar;135:292-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.09.058
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.09.058
  • 10 Gingrich E, Lappin M. Practical Overview of Common Infectious Disease Agents. In: Miller L, Zawistowski S, editors. Shelter Med. Vet. Staff. 2nd ed., Ames, Iowa, USA: Wiley; 2012, p. 297-328. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119421511.ch18
    » https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119421511.ch18
  • 11 Peeters DE, McKiernan BC, Weisiger RM, Schaeffer DJ, Clercx C. Quantitative Bacterial Cultures and Cytological Examination of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2000 Sep;14:534-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2000.tb02272.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2000.tb02272.x
  • 12 Maden M, Birdane F, Alkan F, Hadimli H, Sen I, Aslan V. Clinical, Cytologic, Bacteriologic and Radiographic Analysis of Respiratory Diseases in Dogs. Eurasian J Vet Sci. 2000;16:43-50.
  • 13 Salci H, Kahya S, Çetin M, Akkoç A, Bayram AS. Evaluation of Pulmonary Infection Risk in Dogs with Pulmonary Contusion. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2017;23:613-20. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2017.17469
    » https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2017.17469
  • 14 Brady CA. Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats. In: King LG, editor. Textb. Respir. Dis. Dogs Cats, St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Elsevier; 2004, p. 412-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8706-3.50060-8
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8706-3.50060-8
  • 15 Sharp CR, Rozanski EA. Physical Examination of the Respiratory System. Top Companion Anim Med. 2013 Aug;28:79-85. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2013.06.005
    » https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2013.06.005
  • 16 Barçante JMP, Barçante TA, Ribeiro VM, Oliveira-Junior SD, Dias SRC, Negrão-Corrêa D, et al. Cytological and parasitological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the diagnosis of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol. 2008 Nov;158:93-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.08.005
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.08.005
  • 17 Hirt RA, Wiederstein I, Denner EBM, Mosing M, de Arespacochaga AG, Spergser J, et al. Influence of the collection and oxygenation method on quantitative bacterial composition in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from healthy dogs. Vet J. 2010 Apr;184:77-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.01.004
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.01.004
  • 18 King L. Treating canine bacterial pneumonia: more than just antibiotics. Int. Congr. Ital. Assoc. Companion Anim. Vet., Rimini, Italy: 2010, p. 133-4.
  • 19 European Medicines Agency. Answers to the request for scientific advice on the impact on public health and animal health of the use of antibiotics in animals- Categorisation of antimicrobials. 2019 Feb 4;(February):1-67.
  • 20 De Briyne N, Atkinson J, Borriello SP, Pokludová L. Antibiotics used most commonly to treat animals in Europe. Vet Rec. 2014 Oct;175:325-325. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102462
    » https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102462
  • 21 Murphy CP, Reid-Smith RJ, Boerlin P, Weese JS, Prescott JF, Janecko N, et al. Out-patient antimicrobial drug use in dogs and cats for new disease events from community companion animal practices in Ontario. Can Vet J. 2012 Mar;53:291-8.
  • 22 Hur BA, Hardefeldt LY, Verspoor KM, Baldwin T, Gilkerson JR. Describing the antimicrobial usage patterns of companion animal veterinary practices; Free text analysis of more than 4.4 million consultation records. PLoS One. 2020 Mar 13;15:e0230049. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230049
    » https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230049
  • 23 Stegemann MR, Passmore CA, Sherington J, Lindeman CJ, Papp G, Weigel DJ, et al. Antimicrobial activity and spectrum of cefovecin, a new extended-spectrum cephalosporin, against pathogens collected from dogs and cats in Europe and North America. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006 Jul;50:2286-92. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00077-06
    » https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00077-06
  • 24 Lawrence M, KuKanich K, KuKanich B, Heinrich E, Coetzee JF, Grauer G, et al. Effect of cefovecin on the fecal flora of healthy dogs. Vet J. 2013 Oct;198:259-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.04.010
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.04.010
  • 25 Wernick MB, Müntener CR. Cefovecin: A New Long-acting Cephalosporin. J Exot Pet Med. 2010 Oct;19:317-22. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2010.10.002
    » https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2010.10.002
  • 26 Ayodhya S, Rao D, Reddy Y, Sundar N, Kumar V. Isolation and characterization of bacteria from canine respiratory diseases in and around Hyderabad city, Andhra Pradesh, India. Vet World. 2013;6:601-4. https://doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2013.601-604
    » https://doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2013.601-604
  • 27 Lappin MR, Blondeau J, Boothe D, Breitschwerdt EB, Guardabassi L, Lloyd DH, et al. Antimicrobial use Guidelines for Treatment of Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs and Cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases. J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Mar 10;31:279-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14627
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14627. 28
  • 28 Summers JF, Brodbelt DC, Forsythe PJ, Loeffler A, Hendricks A. The effectiveness of systemic antimicrobial treatment in canine superficial and deep pyoderma: A systematic review. Vet Dermatol. 2012 Aug;23:305-e61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01050.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01050.x
  • 29 Giboin H, Becskei C, Civil J, R. Stegemann M. Safety and Efficacy of Cefovecin (convenia(r)) as an Adjunctive Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Dogs. Open J Vet Med. 2012;02:89-97. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2012.23016
    » https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2012.23016
  • 30 Passmore CA, Sherington J, Stegemann MR. Efficacy and safety of cefovecin (ConveniaTM) for the treatment of urinary tract infections in dogs: Paper. J Small Anim Pract. 2007 Mar;48:139-44. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00231.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00231.x
  • 31 Rebuelto M, Albarellos G, Ambros L, Kreil V, Montoya L, Bonafine R, et al. Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone administered by the intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous routes to dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Feb;25:73-6. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2885.2002.00389.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2885.2002.00389.x
  • 32 Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs. 4th ed. St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Elsevier; 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/c2013-0-00632-9
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/c2013-0-00632-9
  • 33 Epstein SE, Mellema MS, Hopper K. Airway microbial culture and susceptibility patterns in dogs and cats with respiratory disease of varying severity. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2010 Dec;20:587-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2010.00587.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2010.00587.x
  • 34 Decaro N, Mari V, Larocca V, Losurdo M, Lanave G, Lucente MS, et al. Molecular surveillance of traditional and emerging pathogens associated with canine infectious respiratory disease. Vet Microbiol. 2016 Aug;192:21-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.06.009
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.06.009
  • 35 Schulz BS, Kurz S, Weber K, Balzer HJ, Hartmann K. Detection of respiratory viruses and Bordetella bronchiseptica in dogs with acute respiratory tract infections. Vet J. 2014 Sep;201:365-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.019
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.019
  • 36 Jirjis FF, Deshpande MS, Tubbs AL, Jayappa H, Lakshmanan N, Wasmoen TL. Transmission of canine influenza virus (H3N8) among susceptible dogs. Vet Microbiol. 2010 Aug;144:303-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.02.029
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.02.029
  • 37 Litster AL, Wu CC, Constable PD. Comparison of the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and doxycycline in the treatment of upper respiratory tract disease in cats housed in an animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012 Jul 15;241:218-26. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.2.218
    » https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.2.218
  • 38 Dear JD. Bacterial pneumonia in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am - Small Anim Pract. 2014 Jan;44:143-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.09.003
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.09.003
  • 39 Sherman R, Karagiannis M. Aspiration Pneumonia in the Dog: A Review. Top Companion Anim Med. 2017 Mar;32:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2017.05.003
    » https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2017.05.003
  • 40 Ford R. Infectious Tracheobronchitis. In: King LG, editor. Textb. Respir. Dis. Dogs Cats, St. Louis, MO, USA: Elsevier; 2004, p. 364-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8706-3.50053-0
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8706-3.50053-0
  • 41 Darcy HP, Humm K, Ter Haar G. Retrospective analysis of incidence, clinical features, potential risk factors, and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in three brachycephalic dog breeds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018 Oct;253:869-76. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.7.869
    » https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.7.869
  • 42 Winter JL, Barber LG, Freeman L, Griessmayr PC, Milbury PE, Blumberg JB. Antioxidant status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with lymphoma. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Mar;23:311-6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0273.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0273.x
  • 43 Macotpet A, Suksawat F, Sukon P, Pimpakdee K, Pattarapanwichien E, Tangrassameeprasert R, et al. Oxidative stress in cancer-bearing dogs assessed by measuring serum malondialdehyde. BMC Vet Res. 2013 Dec 11;9:101. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-101
    » https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-101
  • 44 Çenesiz S. The role of oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the infectious diseases: A systematic literature review. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2020 Oct;26:849-58. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2020.24618
    » https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2020.24618
  • 45 Todorova I, Simeonova G, Kyuchukova D, Dinev D, Gadjeva V. Reference values of oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT) in dogs and cats. Comp Clin Path. 2005 Jul 13;13:190-4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-005-0547-5
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-005-0547-5
  • 46 Temizsoylu MD, Bumin A, Alkan Z. Radiographic evaluation of pulmonary pattern changes in 27 cats and 58 dogs. Turkish J Vet Anim Sci. 2003;27:213-22.
  • 47 Wayne A, Davis M, Sinnott VB, Bracker K. Outcomes in dogs with uncomplicated, presumptive bacterial pneumonia treated with short or long course antibiotics. Can Vet J. 2017;58:610-3.
  • 48 King L. Infectious pneumonia in puppies: Bordetella and beyond. Proceeding Int. SCIVAC Congr., Rimini, Italy: 2010, p. 135-6.
  • 49 Chang H. Pathogenicity Analysis of Klebsiella oxytoca Isolated from Larus ridibundus Migratory Birds. Pak Vet J. 2018 Oct 1;38:449-551. https://doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2018.096
    » https://doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2018.096
  • 50 Yigit A, Aslim G, Can H. Evaluation on shelter medicine and stray animal shelters in Turkey. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2020;26:17-24. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2019.22096
    » https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2019.22096
  • 51 Aytek E, Kaplan F, Oz C, Levchenko A. Evaluation of bacteria isolated from different animal species and antibiotic resistance in the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Vet J Kastamonu Univ. 2022;1:14-25.
  • Funding:
    This research was funded by Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, grant number 15244.

Edited by

  • Editor-in-Chief:
    Paulo Vitor Farago
  • Associate Editor:
    Sinvaldo Baglie

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    04 Aug 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    30 Jan 2023
  • Accepted
    06 Apr 2023
Creative Common - by-nc 4.0
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
location_on
Instituto de Tecnologia do Paraná - Tecpar Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775 - CIC, 81350-010 , Tel: +55 41 3316-3054 - Curitiba - PR - Brazil
E-mail: babt@tecpar.br
rss_feed Acompanhe os números deste periódico no seu leitor de RSS
Reportar erro