Abstract
ObjectivesBacterial urinary tract infections are a common diagnosis in small animal practice and antibiotics are often administered empirically. The aim of this study was to investigate the aetiology and antibiotic resistance of uropathogens in dogs and cats in the UK.Materials and MethodsRetrospective study of uroculture and antibiotic susceptibility testing results (n=808) by disk diffusion processed at a veterinary pathology laboratory between 2011 and 2012.ResultsSignificant bacteriuria was detected in 18.4% of samples from dogs and 10.0% from cats, most of which (>90%) yielded a single organism. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial species (54.7% and 55.6% of feline and canine isolates, respectively) followed by Proteus mirabilis in dog samples (22.7%) and Enterococcus spp. in cat samples (23.2%). Approximately a third of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin but resistance was much lower among Enterococcus spp. and P. mirabilis. Resistance to amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid also seemed to be emerging, particularly in E. coli (almost 20% resistant). In contrast, resistance to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for uropathogens remained <13% except for P. mirabilis (19.4%). Overall, fluoroquinolones showed the best in vitro activity (resistance mostly below 10% for enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin).Clinical SignificanceOur results provide evidence of the emergence of resistance to antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial urinary tract infections. Continued monitoring of the patterns of antibiotic resistance in uropathogens is needed to assess the adequacy of recommendations on the empiric therapy of these infections.
Highlights
Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are diagnosed in approximately 14% of dogs during their lifetime (Ling 1984)
A diagnosis of UTI can be aided by the detection of significant bacteriuria in quantitative cultures of urine specimens (Weese et al 2011, Olin & Bartges 2015)
Data collection Data from urine samples from dogs and cats with significant bacteraemia submitted to NationWide Laboratories (NWL; Lancashire, UK) for microbiological examination between November 2011 and November 2012 were retrieved from electronic records
Summary
Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are diagnosed in approximately 14% of dogs during their lifetime (Ling 1984). UTIs are more common in cats aged 10 or above, those with concurrent diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure) and those that have undergone urinary catheterisation or perineal urethrostomy (Lulich et al 1992, Litster et al 2007). UTIs can cause a spectrum of disease from asymptomatic to life threatening. The clinical signs known to be compatible with UTI include dysuria, stranguria, pollakiuria and hematuria, but such signs are not pathognomonic of infection. Resolution of clinical signs is not a sign of infection elimination and cure
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
