Canine cystitis workshop Flashcards
What factors predispose dogs to UTIs?
Shorter urethra in females, incontinence (e.g. ectopic ureters, urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence), urethral catheterisation, immunosuppression (e.g. Cushing’s disease), polydipsia/polyuria, urolithiasis & prostatitis (entire males)
What are the common bacteria involved in canine UTIs?
Mostly gut or skin flora, with Enterobacteriaceae being common
Most bacteria except Streptococcus exhibit antimicrobial resistance
What are the possible clinical signs of lower UTIs in dogs?
Straining, difficulty urinating, increased frequency (pollakiuria, stranguria, dysuria), urine scalding, hematuria, pyuria, discolored/smelly urine, painful bladder, abdominal pain, excessive licking of vulva/prepuce
May be none: asymptomatic bacteriuria or subclinical UTI
What are the best methods for urine collection in UTI diagnosis?
Cystocentesis (ideal but difficult with empty bladder), catheterisation (risk of contamination) & free catch (prone to contamination)
What urine dipstick findings suggest a UTI?
Presence of blood, protein & alkaline pH (but not always)
Why is urine sediment examination important?
To identify pyuria (>5 WBCs per 40x field, indicating inflammation) & bacteriuria (presence of bacteria, confirming infection)
Why is urine culture important in UTI diagnosis?
It provides definitive diagnosis, allows bacterial identification & guides antimicrobial sensitivity testing
Why are recurrent UTIs common in dogs, and what are the main causes?
Common due to treatment failure (incorrect treatment, early discontinuation, antibiotic resistance) or underlying conditions (immunosuppression, Cushing’s disease, incontinence - ectopic ureters or urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence)
What are the antimicrobial treatment durations for uncomplicated and complicated UTIs?
Uncomplicated UTI: 3-5 days
Recurrent UTI: 3-5 days if initial response was good; 7-10 days if additional factors exist
Complicated UTI (e.g. urolithiasis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis): Longer durations with culture-guided therapy
What are the first-line empirical antibiotics for canine UTIs?
Amoxicillin-clavulanate or trimethoprim-sulfadiazine for 3-5 days
When should a culture and sensitivity (C&S) test be performed?
Before starting antibiotics & in cases of recurrent or complicated UTIs
What are struvite uroliths, and how do they relate to UTIs?
Struvite stones form in alkaline urine & are almost always associated with bacterial UTIs in dogs
How are struvite stones treated?
Long-term antibiotics until stones dissolve
Dietary modification to acidify urine
Radiographs or ultrasound to monitor stone resolution
