ABSTRACT: Mycobacterial infections in cats and dogs are often overlooked in veterinary practice, despite representing a significant risk to the health of both animals and people. This paper will review the most important features of companion animal mycobacteriosis, focusing on tuberculosis (TB), as it is seen commonly in cats in the UK. The underlying epidemiology of mycobacterial infections, their clinical presentations, diagnostic options and the principles of treatment are discussed, as well as the zoonotic risk these infections may pose, and the key role the veterinary nursing team can play in the care of these patients.

Author(s)

Jordan Mitchell BVM&S, MRCVS

Jordan graduated with distinction from The University of Edinburgh in 2015 before spending time in small animal general practice, developing interests in feline medicine, anatomic pathology and cytology. He returned to Edinburgh in October 2017 to start a PhD looking into the immunopathology and diagnostics of feline tuberculosis.

Email: jordan.mitchell@ed.ac.uk

Danielle Gunn-Moore BSc (Hons), BVM&S, PhD, MANZCVS, FHEA, FRSB, FRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

An internationally recognised expert in Feline Medicine, Danielle graduated from Edinburgh in 1991. A Scholarship and Fellowship at The University of Bristol’s Feline Centre followed, where she also completed a PhD study into FIP in 1997. She returned to Edinburgh, establishing the Feline Clinic and became Professor of Feline Medicine in 2006. Email: danielle.gunn-moore@ed.ac.uk

Keywords: mycobacteria; tuberculosis; cats; dogs; zoonosis

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 (04) • April 2019 pp102-107

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