Mycoplasma is a bacterium that causes respiratory illnesses in several species, including dogs. Any animal of any age or health status can have mycoplasma, but if your dog has a compromised immune system, it will likely be more vulnerable to mycoplasma than other dogs.
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Signs
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Signs to watch for include miscarriage in pregnant dogs, coughing, sneezing, infertility, blood in the urine, lethargy, weight loss and straining to urinate.
Function
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Mycoplasma often colonizes in the nose, eyes and urogenital tract, where it remains dormant until the host becomes weakened enough to allow mycoplasma to flourish.
Warning
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Some dogs display no signs, while others have severe signs of infection. Sometimes, the signs can be mild enough that people dismiss sneezing or coughing as allergies or a cold.
Treatment
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Treatment consists of antibiotic therapy to kill the mycoplasma bacterium, along with supportive care as needed, such as IV fluids to counter dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting.
Misconceptions
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Mycoplasma is sometimes overlooked as a primary cause of respiratory illness in dogs, because the organism is more likely to attack rabbits. A study conducted by Drs. John C. Chandler and Michael R. Lappin at Colorado State University reviewed case studies of 17 animals and confirmed that mycoplasma can be a primary cause of respiratory distress in cats and dogs.
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