Response to doxycycline and oxytetracycline treatments in cats infected with Mycoplasma spp. and analysis of haemato-clinical findings and risk factors

Abstract

This study was planned to determine the efficacy of doxycycline and oxytetracycline in the treatment of feline Mycoplasma spp. infections and to analyze risk factors as well as clinical and haematological findings. Cats accepted to the clinic with complaints such as weakness, loss of appetite and fever were routinely examined. Clinical history of animal was demanded from the owner. An interview and a short questionnaire were conducted to owner to evaluate the risk factors associated with possible Mycoplasma status of animal. During the interview, the age, sex, breed, housing, flea infestation, worm control, external parasite control, other accompanying infections and vaccination status of cats were asked and the data recorded. Peripheral blood smears were stained with the DIFF-QUICK. Fifty positive cats were included in the study, 16 of which were treated with doxycycline (orally, 5 mg/kg twice a day) while other 34 with oxytetracycline (intramuscular injection, 10 mg/kg once a day). It was determined that all (100%) cats with Mycoplasma spp. infection had a flea infestation. Majority of cats (94%) did not receive the regular antiparasitic application and only 6 (12%) of them had complete vaccinations. Mycoplasma spp. infection was associated with younger age and outdoor access. Among the feline breed, striped cat (74%) was more prone to infection. The most common clinical signs encountered in cats were weakness (94%) and anorexia (84%). Haematological parameters revealed thrombocytopenia (86%), and anaemia (40%) in infected cats. At the end of the treatment, recovery rates for doxycycline and oxytetracycline groups were 87.5% and 67.6%, respectively. General status of these cats indicated significant improvement on the 4th day of treatment, and clinical symptoms are restored on the 7th day. Mycoplasmosis is an important infection for cats having anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Flea infestations are risk factor for contamination of the disease. Based on our results, we recommend doxycycline treatment (5 mg/kg) for up to 21 days for elimination of Mycoplasma spp. in the blood of infected cats.