💊 Treatment & Supportive Care for Bordetella

When dealing with Bordetella infections—whether kennel cough in pets or pertussis in people—understanding when and how to treat can make a huge difference in recovery and contagion control.

This article breaks down evidence-based treatment options for:
- Dogs and cats with kennel cough
- Rabbits and pigs with respiratory signs
- Humans with whooping cough

🐕 Kennel Cough in Dogs

✅ What Works:

• Doxycycline or Clavamox (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for moderate/severe cases
  
• Nebulization with saline ± bronchodilator for stubborn coughs
  
• Rest and isolation from other dogs (min. 10–14 days)
  

❌ What Doesn’t:

• Overuse of antibiotics in mild, self-limiting cases
  
• OTC human cough suppressants (many are unsafe)
  

📝 Note: If a dog is vaccinated and still contracts kennel cough, symptoms are typically milder.

🐈 Cats & Rabbits

Cats:

• Often self-limiting
  
• Doxycycline is first-line if treatment is needed
  
• Monitor for worsening discharge or lethargy
  

Rabbits:

• More prone to lower respiratory complications
  
• Enrofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfa often used
  
• Maintain warmth, humidity, and quiet environment
  

📌 Bordetella is often asymptomatic in rabbits—but becomes opportunistic with stress or other illness.

🐖 Livestock (Pigs, Calves)

For pigs:

• Tulathromycin, ceftiofur, or tylosin can be effective
  
• Monitor withdrawal times for meat/milk
  
• Improve ventilation & reduce dust exposure
  

For calves:

• Less common, but co-infection with viral pathogens can increase severity
  

👨‍⚕️ Whooping Cough in Humans

First-Line Antibiotics:

• Azithromycin (Zithromax) for 5 days
  
• Clarithromycin or erythromycin as alternatives
  
• Early treatment (<21 days from symptom onset) reduces transmission but may not shorten cough duration
  

Supportive Care:

• Hydration + humidified air
  
• Cough spasms management — avoid triggers like cold air or dust
  
• Small frequent meals to avoid vomiting
  

⚠️ Infants under 12 months may need hospitalization for monitoring due to risk of apnea or pneumonia.

💡 Experimental and Adjunctive Therapies

• Nebulized gentamicin – used in severe veterinary cases, especially shelters
  
• Butorphanol – mild sedative and cough suppressant used in dogs (Rx only)
  
• Immune support supplements – no proven benefit, but some vets recommend vitamin C and lysine for cats
  

🚫 Avoid honey or herbal “cures” in pets — not only ineffective, but potentially dangerous due to sugar or contaminants.

🧠 Summary

Bordetella treatment is nuanced and species-specific:

Always consult your veterinarian or physician before starting treatment.

Coming soon: Antibiotics That Work for Bordetella – A Deep Dive into Resistance Trends.