Clinical Differences in Dogs with Enterococcal Bacteriuria Compared with Other Bacteriuria: A Retrospective,...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Canine Health

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs.
• Enterococcus species are a frequent cause of UTIs, but clinical distinctions are not well-defined.
• Understanding differences in UTIs caused by Enterococcus versus other bacteria is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of dogs with enterococcal bacteriuria versus dogs with other bacteriuria.
• To identify risk factors and breed predispositions for enterococcal UTIs in dogs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study.
• Inclusion of 96 dogs with enterococcal bacteriuria and 288 control dogs with other bacteriuria.
• Analysis of signalment, clinical signs, comorbidities, diagnostic findings, and treatment response.

Main Results:

• Dogs with non-enterococcal bacteriuria more frequently exhibited lower urinary tract signs (hematuria, pollakiuria, stranguria).
• Enterococcal bacteriuria was associated with recessed vulva, hyperadrenocorticism, chronic kidney disease, myelopathy, and polymicrobial growth.
• Certain breeds (Pugs, Bearded Collies, Saint Bernards) had higher odds of enterococcal bacteriuria.
• Antimicrobial administration correlated with clinical sign resolution in controls, but not in enterococcal cases.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcal bacteriuria in dogs presents differently from other bacterial UTIs.
• Specific comorbidities and breed predispositions are associated with Enterococcus infections.
• Treatment strategies may need to be tailored based on the causative bacterial species.