Pneumococcus

What are pneumococci?

Pneumococci are gram-positive bacteria of the Streptococcus pneumoniae species, which belong to the group of diplococci, i.e. they are stored in pairs. They have a polysaccharide capsule, which provides them with an important protective factor against the immune system. There are over 97 different serotypes of pneumococci, which differ in their capsule composition.

Pneumococci normally inhabit the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx of humans and animals. However, they can also enter the lungs or bloodstream and cause serious infections there. Pneumococci are mainly responsible for pneumonia, but can also cause other diseases such as otitis media, meningitis, sepsis or arthritis.

How can dogs become infected with pneumococcus?

Dogs can become infected with pneumococcus in various ways. The most common is direct transmission from person to dog or from dog to dog by droplet infection or smear infection. This means that the bacteria can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, licking or sniffing.

Another possible route of infection is endogenous infection. This means that the pneumococci, which are already present in the dog's nasopharynx, reach other parts of the body and cause disease there. This can happen, for example, if the dog's immune system is weakened or if it has another infection that damages the mucosal barrier.

What symptoms do dogs with a pneumococcal infection show?

The symptoms of pneumococcal infection in dogs depend on which organs are affected. The most common disease is pneumonia, which is characterized by fever, coughing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and weakness. Pneumonia can spread to one or more lobes of the lungs and lead to serious complications such as lung abscess or pleural effusion.

Another possible disease is otitis media, which manifests itself in head tilting, ear shaking, ear scratching and pain when touching the ear. Otitis media can lead to a rupture of the eardrum or to the infection spreading to the inner ear.

A rare but dangerous disease is meningitis, which is characterized by fever, neck stiffness, cramps, impaired consciousness and neurological deficits. Meningitis can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

How is a pneumococcal infection diagnosed in dogs?

The diagnosis of pneumococcal infection in dogs is based on the medical history, clinical examination and detection of the bacteria in the affected organs. Various methods can be used for this, such as

• Swab or swab sample from the nasopharynx, ear or eye
• Blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid culture
• X-ray or ultrasound examination of the lungs
• Puncture or biopsy of the lung or pleural tissue
• PCR or ELISA to detect the pneumococcal antigen

How is a pneumococcal infection in dogs treated?

The treatment of a pneumococcal infection in dogs depends on the severity and location of the disease. The most important measure is the administration of antibiotics that are effective against the pneumococci. These include, for example:

• Amoxicillin or amoxicillin with clavulanic acid
• Ampicillin or ampicillin with sulbactam
• doxycycline
• metronidazole

The antibiotics must be administered over a longer period of time (at least 10 to 14 days) to ensure complete healing. The dosage and route of administration (oral, intravenous or intramuscular) will depend on the dog's condition and the veterinarian's advice.

In addition to antibiotics, other supportive measures may also be required, such as

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
• Cough suppressants and expectorants
• Infusions and electrolytes
• Oxygen therapy and ventilation
• Surgical interventions such as drainage or removal of abscesses

How can pneumococcal infection in dogs be prevented?

It is not always possible to prevent a pneumococcal infection in dogs, as the bacteria are widespread and can also colonize healthy animals. However, there are some measures that can reduce the risk of infection, such as

• Avoiding close contact with infected people or animals
• Hygienic measures such as regular hand washing and disinfecting objects that come into contact with the dog
• Strengthening the immune system through a balanced diet, sufficient exercise and stress reduction
• Vaccination against pneumococci

There are various vaccines against pneumococci that have been developed for humans and are also approved for dogs. However, the vaccination does not protect against all serotypes of pneumococcus and must be boostered regularly. Vaccination is particularly recommended for dogs that have an increased risk of pneumococcal infection, such as

• Young or old dogs
• Dogs with chronic diseases such as diabetes, renal insufficiency or cardiac insufficiency
• Dogs with immunodeficiency or under immunosuppression
• Dogs with anatomical malformations such as cleft palate or brachycephaly

The decision to vaccinate should always be made in consultation with the vet, who can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages as well as the possible side effects.