Medical Resolution of a Tracheal Granuloma Caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica Infection in an Adult Dog

A 3-year-old male entire crossbreed dog was presented to the Internal Medicine Department with a one-week history of coughing. Pre-referral blood work revealed moderate leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and a mild increase in transaminase levels. Prior treatment with doxycycline and meloxicam did not result in clinical improvement. Thoracic computed tomography demonstrated marked bronchial wall thickening and moderate enlargement of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, leading to compression of the trachea and right mainstem bronchus at the carina level. Tracheobronchoscopy identified narrowing of the distal trachea due to a mass effect originating from the tracheal muscle. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid confirmed Bordetella bronchiseptica infection. Systemic antibiotic therapy failed to resolve clinical signs. However, complete clinical and radiological resolution was achieved following a one-month treatment course with inhaled gentamicin. At the time of writing, two years later, the dog is still alive and free of respiratory signs.