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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Urinary tract infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a dog
Joseph E Rubin1, Matthew C Gaunt
1Department of Veterinary, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. joe.rubin@usask.ca
Summary
A pug dog with a urinary tract infection caused by a resistant bacteria showed improvement with doxycycline. This highlights a potential treatment for similar canine infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs.
- Emerging antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge in veterinary medicine.
Observation:
- A young neutered male pug presented with acute pollakiuria and hematuria.
- Urine culture identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP).
Findings:
- The MRSP isolate was susceptible only to tetracycline among tested antimicrobials.
- Treatment with doxycycline resulted in bacteriological cure.
- Clinical signs of pollakiuria and hematuria resolved.
Implications:
- Doxycycline is a viable treatment option for canine UTIs caused by tetracycline-susceptible MRSP.
- This case underscores the importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for resistant bacterial infections in companion animals.
- Highlights the need for judicious antibiotic use to combat antimicrobial resistance in veterinary practice.
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