We are conducting a research study to determine if short (10 days) course antibiotic therapy would be comparable to a longer (21 days) course of antibiotics in uncomplicated canine bacterial pneumonia. If patients meet inclusion criteria they will be eligible for enrollment and a $650 incentive to help cover the cost of antibiotic therapy and follow up diagnostics.
Patients suspected of having bacterial pneumonia (e.g., Bordetella or another contagious pathogen; or secondary to aspiration), referred to the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, that have NOT received antibiotics in the preceding 30 days. To meet enrollment criteria, owners will be responsible for paying for tests necessary to definitively diagnose bacterial pneumonia including: CBC, thoracic radiographs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and culture. Recheck examinations, at the VHC, after 10, 30 and 60 days of starting antibiotic therapy will be required.
For more information about this study, please contact the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service. Contacts: Carol Reinero, DVM, PhD and Aida Vientós-Plotts, DVM, at 573 882–7821.