Transurethral cystoscopy in dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections: Retrospective study (2011-2018)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in female dogs and recurrent infections often require investigation by transurethral cystoscopy.

Describe the findings of transurethral cystoscopy in dogs presented for recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI).

Fifty-three client-owned dogs with RUTI were included in the study.

Retrospective study. Data collected from medical records included signalment, clinical findings, bladder wall culture, cystoscopic, and histopathologic findings. UTI was defined as: presence of compatible clinical signs and at least 2 out of 3 of the following criteria: (1) pyuria, (2) positive urine culture, (3) resolution of clinical signs with antibiotic treatment. Recurrence of UTI was defined as at least 2 episodes of UTI within 6 months or at least 3 or more in 1 year.

The mean age at presentation was 3.8 years with a majority of female dogs (48/53), 40/48 of which were spayed. Main breeds were Labrador (10/53), Australian Shepherd (4/53), and Miniature Schnauzer (3/53). A hooded vulva was noted in 33/48 of females. Transurethral cystoscopy showed anomalies in 45/53 of cases: mucosal edema (19/53), vestibulovaginal septal remnant (15/48), lymphoid follicles (8/53), short urethra (6/53), and ectopic ureter (5/53). Urine culture at the time of cystoscopy was positive in 13/49. Bladder wall edema and ulceration were the most common findings on histopathology (25/39).

RUTI occurred more frequently in spayed female dogs. Transurethral cystoscopy is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of anomalies in dogs with RUTIs.