Treating Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

Dog Breeds

The goals of treating urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs are to eliminate the infection and resolve or at least manage any identifiable predisposing disorder or disease.

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Introduction

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a fairly common and painful condition in dogs which, if left untreated, can cause severe damage to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. In complicated cases, UTIs can cause life-threatening systemic illness. The goals of therapy are to eliminate the infection and resolve or at least manage any identifiable predisposing disorder or disease.

Treating Canine Urinary Tract Infection

Dogs diagnosed with a urinary tract infection usually are first treated with antibiotics empirically, without culturing their urine. The attending veterinarian will select one or a combination of several antibiotics, depending upon the results of the initial urinalysis and blood tests. Obviously, the antibiotics must have good penetration and distribution into the urine. It is extremely important for owners to administer the antibiotics exactly as instructed by the veterinarian, and for the full treatment course.

If the infection persists or if it resolves but recurs after a complete course of antibiotics, further diagnostics will be necessary. The veterinarian will take another urine sample, ideally via cystocentesis, and will submit it to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity, to identify the precise causative microorganism. Any predisposing conditions, such as uroliths/calculi or immunosuppression from whatever cause, must be identified and addressed as well. The results of the initial blood and urine tests, combined with urine culture, abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and appropriate antibiotic selection and administration, should be sufficient to identify and resolve recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections in companion dogs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with uncomplicated bacterial urinary tract infections is excellent. Primary fungal infections, on the other hand, can be extremely difficult to treat. The prognosis for dogs with complicated UTIs is quite variable and depends upon accurate identification of the causative organism and resolution of the predisposing disorder or disease.

Diagnosis and Tests