Introduction
Urinary tract infections in dogs are usually diagnosed using a urinalysis test. In cases where repeated infections occur, x-rays, blood tests, ultrasound, or a urine culture may be needed.
Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
Urinalysis
A urinalysis test examines multiple aspects of the urine that may indicate an infection such as the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, sugars, proteins, and a measure of the urine’s density. The urine that is collected is usually from a 'free catch'. This technique uses a sterile container to collect urine from the stream as the dog is urinating. The first urine in the morning is the best urine to do a test on.
A small sample of the urine may also be spun down in a centrifuge, and then the sample is examined under a microscope. The presence of minute crystals that can only be seen through a microscope indicates a urinary tract infection.
Urine Culture
A urine culture may also be performed if a dog is not responding to antibiotic therapies to treat the urinary tract infection. In this test, a small amount of urine is collected using sterile techniques, such as a catheter, to collect the urine. The urine is then placed on a culture plate, and the culture is then checked in 48-72 hours for bacteria growth. If bacteria are present, they can be identified and counted. Once the bacteria are identified, specific antibiotics that target those bacteria can then be prescribed.
Testing for Underlying Conditions
If a dog is experiencing repeated urinary tract infections, there is a possibility that an underlying medical condition is causing this condition to occur. An x-ray is usually performed to check for the presence of bladder stones, blood tests are used to check for conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s, kidney disease, and cancer, and an ultrasound may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the structure of the bladder or urethra.