Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of Bordetella bronchiseptica respiratory infections in dogs diagnosed at a tertiary care institution.

Breed predisposition and respiratory tract comorbidities increase refractory Bb infection risk in dogs.

This retrospective observational study examined 59 dogs with Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) infections presenting to a tertiary care institution between 1995-2024. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Yorkshire Terriers were significantly overrepresented compared to general hospital admissions, suggesting breed-specific predisposition. Nearly 80% of infections were chronic with median duration of 30 days; 40% were classified as severe (pneumonia-associated) and 54% were refractory to initial treatment. Recurrent infections were uncommon (7%). Mycoplasma spp. coinfections occurred in 37% of cases but did not significantly impact outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression identified respiratory tract comorbidities (brachycephaly, structural abnormalities) as significant risk factors for refractory infections (P=0.04), while no predictive variables for severe disease were identified. The findings suggest breed-specific susceptibility factors in small terrier breeds and toy breeds warrant further investigation, and structural respiratory tract abnormalities may predispose to treatment-resistant infections.

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