Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract are common in both dogs and cats. While many of these are caused by viruses, there are also bacterial and fungal causes. We also know that viral infections can be complicated by the overgrowth of opportunistic bacterial populations in the body.

In recent years we have become more and more aware of the consequences of indiscriminate antibiotic use and misuse as well as over-prescribing. Specifically, multi-drug resistant bacterial infections have become a problem in both the animal and human health care sectors.

In this segment, Dr. Jennifer Granick discusses some of the more common infectious respiratory diseases of dogs and cats and outlines a prudent approach to treatment. This discussion includes a case-based approach to illustrating patient diagnosis and management of:

• Feline upper respiratory tract infections
• Canine infectious respiratory disease complex
• Bacterial and aspiration pneumonia
  
  This presentation meets requirements for antimicrobial stewardship / prescribing continued education for veterinary professionals.
  
  Running time: 50 mins
  Approved for 1 hr of CE credit by AAVSB RACE and NY State