Management of a mixed enterococcal and streptococcal infection in a three-year old bull mastiff bitch: A case report

Abstract

Infertility in bitches posses a great concern to dog owners and breeders who intend to uplift their economic gain from sale of pupies. This case is a report of successful management of a mixed infection of enterococcus and streptococcus in a bull mastiff bitch presented following repeated still birth in two consecutive pregnancies. Vital parameters were normal, but haematologivcal parameters were below the reference range. Also, vaginal cytology indicated estrus, microbial culture and sensitivity test of vaginal swab indicated enterococcus and streptococus that were highly susceptible to arythromyzin  and resistant to amoxicilin and ciprofloxacin. Since serum agglutination test returned negative for brucellosis, a confirmatory diagnosis of a mixed infection of enterococcus and streptococcus was made. Antibiotics treatment with the most sensitive drug, and post-treatment laboratory screening revealed a good prognosis. The bitch was succesfully bred at the next estrus post treatment. This case underscored the importance of laboratory diagnosis and management of systemic infections to sustain fertility.