Consideration should be given to testing cats with oral disease for Bartonella, as well as for FeLV and FIV infection. Healthy cats in contact with immunocompromised people should also be tested for Bartonella infection.

Bartonella serology is currently the preferred method of diagnosis. The Bartonella Western Blot serology test is preferred in cats and will detect infection with all species known to infect cats. (Bartonella Western Blot, Test code S16890; Requires 0.5ml serum; TAT is 5lj days.)

Bartonella serology in dogs can be performed using the Western Blot test or an IFA test. (Bartonella Vinsonii titer; Test code 16891 for East and Test Express clients, Test code 85162 for West clients; Requires 0.5ml serum; TAT is 7-14 days.)

PCR testing for Bartonella is available and also detects all Bartonella spp. known to infect cats and dogs. Less is presently known about the sensitivity of Bartonella PCR testing than is known about serology testing. (Bartonella PCR; Test code S1315; Requires 1ml of blood in a LTT; TAT is 5-7 days.)

Bartonella organisms can also be cultured from the blood of infected animals. The sensitivity of this test is uncertain. (Bartonella culture; Test code S16001; Requires 1ml of blood in a LTT; TAT is 4 weeks.)

The treatment of choice is azithromycin at 10 mg/kg orally once daily for 10 days. For cats with oral disease, perform dental procedures and treat with azithromycin. Rigorous flea control is essential for the cat and the environment, and tick control also is advised. Healthy infected cats should be treated with azithromycin as well. Pet owners should avoid being bitten or scratched, and the liquid form of azithromycin may be easier to administer than tablets.

Doxycyline can also be used to treat Bartonella infections in cats at a dose of 50 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.

Antibody titers should be rechecked 6 months post-treatment, with a 2-fold or more lowering of the titer seen in successfully treated cases.