Mycoplasma infection of the middle ear in three cats.
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma spp. are commensal organisms found in association with the mucus membranes of all mammalian species and are implicated in bacterial infections of many different locations. Mycoplasma spp. as a primary pathogen associated with otitis media in cats has not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
To describe three cats with Mycoplasma infection of the middle ear associated with various underlying disease processes.


METHODS
Three client-owned cats.


METHODS
Clinical examination, aerobic culture of the middle ear and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull.


RESULTS
Mycoplasma spp. were grown on aerobic culture from the middle ear of three cats. In Case 1, concurrent neoplasia of the bulla was identified. Mycoplasma alone was cultured in Case 2 and Mycoplasma was grown in addition to Bordetella in Case 3. Case 1 was euthanized, Case 2 responded to Mycoplasma targeted therapy and Case 3 responded to Bordetella targeted therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycoplasma infections of the middle ear may be clinically important and require targeted treatment in some cases.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
Amanda L
AL
Ackermann
University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
Jennifer Ann
JA
Lenz
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
Elizabeth R
ER
May
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
Linda A
LA
Frank
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D009174:Mycoplasma; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary