Is there a way to backup a mysql database without having to run mysqldump? Is there a way to run a backup of a mysql database using sql? We have scripts which run updates against our databases. They only have mysql user credentials, not system login credentials.

Is there anyway to run backups of mysql via a mysql connection instead?
Is there a way to run a backup of a mysql database using sql? 


Short answer: No. 


  ... scripts ... only have mysql user credentials, not system login credentials. 


I'm pretty sure it's possible to run the mysqldump utility against a remote database. 

However, I would have to ask "Why?" 

Even if you could take a backup, what would you hope to do with it? 

It seems to me that you don't have the tools or the credentials necessary to take proper backups (or to restore a database, which pretty much has to be done on the machine itself).  As such, I would guess that someone else is responsible for keeping these databases up and running, recoverable and well-tuned (at least I hope so, or your organisation is in Big Trouble).  

Perhaps you should discuss options with them?