Where does a dog get mycoplasmosis from? - briefly
Dogs can contract mycoplasmosis primarily through contact with infected dogs or wildlife, such as deer and coyotes. The bacterium Mycoplasma species is often present in the respiratory tract of these animals and can be transmitted via direct contact or aerosol droplets.
Where does a dog get mycoplasmosis from? - in detail
Mycoplasmosis in dogs is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma haemocanis, which can be transmitted through several routes, including direct contact with infected animals and indirectly via contaminated surfaces or vectors such as ticks and fleas.
Direct transmission typically occurs when a healthy dog comes into close contact with an infected dog, often during play, grooming, or shared use of communal spaces like kennels or shelters. The bacterium can be present in the respiratory tract, blood, and other bodily fluids of infected dogs, facilitating its spread through secretions such as saliva, nasal discharge, and urine.
Indirect transmission can happen when a dog encounters contaminated surfaces or objects that have been exposed to the bacterium. This includes shared toys, bowls, bedding, and other items that an infected dog has recently used. Ticks and fleas can also act as vectors, carrying the bacteria from one host to another during feeding.
In addition to these primary transmission routes, vertical transmission—from mother to offspring—has been observed in some cases. Puppies born to infected mothers may acquire the infection either in utero or during birth, although this is less common than horizontal transmission between adult dogs.
It's important for dog owners and caretakers to be aware of these transmission routes to implement appropriate preventive measures. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper hygiene practices, and tick and flea control can help mitigate the risk of mycoplasmosis infection in dogs.