Nonenteric Escherichia coli isolates from dogs: 674 cases (1990-1998)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Canine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterial pathogen in dogs, frequently associated with enteric infections.
• Understanding nonenteric E. coli infections is crucial for effective treatment and disease management in canine populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify nonenteric anatomical sites where E. coli is isolated in dogs.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these nonenteric E. coli isolates.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 17,000 canine specimens submitted for bacteriologic culture.
• Examination of medical records to determine E. coli isolation sites, patient demographics, concurrent infections, and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Main Results:

• E. coli was isolated from 674 specimens, predominantly from the urinary tract (424 isolates).
• Other significant nonenteric sites included skin (62), respiratory tract (52), and ear (45).
• High susceptibility rates were observed for norfloxacin (90%), gentamicin (90.7%), enrofloxacin (87.5%), and amikacin (85.9%).

Conclusions:

• The urinary tract is the most common nonenteric site for E. coli infections in dogs.
• Amikacin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and enrofloxacin are effective antimicrobial agents against canine E. coli isolates.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility of canine E. coli has remained relatively stable over the past decade.