Prevalence and resistance patterns of canine uropathogens in regard to concurrent diseases

Predisposing factors for different types of urinary tract infections (UTI) were evaluated and prevalence of causative agents and their resistance were identified. A prospective epidemiologic study (2007 to 2012) included 191 dogs with signs of urinary tract disease. Anamnestic data were collected and clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, urinalysis and aerobic bacteriologic urine culture were performed in all dogs. Other diagnostic procedures were conducted when indicated. UTI was more common in neutered female dogs, older dogs and dogs with concurrent diseases. Using culture as the gold standard, sensitivity of urine sediment examination to detect bacteriuria increased from 89.9% to 98.1% with staining and specificity increased from 69.8% to 96.4%. A single species of microorganism was isolated in 90.7%. Most common causative agents of UTI were E. coli (39.0% of isolates), staphylococci (27.3% of isolates), Proteus sp. (13.5% of isolates), and enterococci (8.5% of isolates). Prevalence of the causative agents varied in regard to sex and concurrent diseases. The causative agents were in 29.4% susceptible to all tested antimicrobials and were multi-drug resistant in 27.7%. All methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains were isolated in 2010-2012. Resistant bacteria were more common in dogs previously treated with antimicrobials. Due to increased specificity and sensitivity of urine sediment examination, staining the sediment in practice is mandatory. Data on uropathogens and their resistance in regard to concurrent diseases is of crucial importance for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of complications in dogs with UT. Wide intercountry variability in bacterial susceptibility has been confirmed. Also, the onset of MRSP urinary strains in the country has been identified.