Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veterinary version of the bladder tumor antigen (V-BTA) test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract of dogs. ANIMALS: 229 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Urine samples from dogs were shipped overnight to a single laboratory to facilitate testing within 48 hours of collection by use of the V-BTA rapid latex agglutination urine dipstick test. Groups of dogs included the following: 1) dogs with TCC of the lower urinary tract, 2) healthy control dogs, 3) unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and 4) unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease. Test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by use of standard methods. Logistic models were developed to assess the effect of disease status, test conditions, urine composition, and signalment on the performance of the V-BTA test. RESULTS: A total of 229 urine samples were analyzed, including 48 from dogs with suspected (n = 3) or confirmed (45) TCC. Test sensitivities were 88, 87, and 85% for all dogs with (suspected and confirmed) TCC, dogs with confirmed TCC at any site, and dogs with confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder, respectively. Test specificities were 84, 41, and 86% for healthy control dogs, unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease, respectively. The test performed slightly better on centrifuged urine samples than on uncentrifuged urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that the V-BTA test is useful in screening for urinary tract TCC in dogs.     

Detection of canine transitional cell carcinoma using a bladder tumor antigen urine dipstick test

Canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) carries a poor prognosis in part due to late disease detection. The measurement of specific tumor markers shed in the urine may aid in sensitive, early disease detection and therefore improved prognosis. A 1-year prospective clinical trial was designed to assess the efficacy, sensitivity and specificity of the first generation Bard BTA test to diagnose TCC in dogs. This test is a qualitative, rapid, latex agglutination, dipstick test run on voided urine, which measures a glycoprotein antigen complex associated with bladder cancer in human patients. Sixty-five dogs were entered in the study: 20 TCC confirmed patients, 19 healthy controls and 26 urologic controls with a variety of conditions including urinary tract infection, crystalluria and proteinuria. Overall test sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 78%. False positive test results were noted in the presence of significant glucosuria (4+), proteinuria (4+), and pyuria or hematuria (> 30-40 WBC or RBC per hpf). Urine parameters that had no effect on efficacy included collection method (cystocentesis or free catch), pH, specific gravity, crystalluria, bilirubinuria, bacteriuria and casts. These data indicated that the Bard BTA test was sensitive for the detection of the bladder tumor-associated antigen complex in canine TCC. As evaluated, this test may serve as a useful adjunct to diagnosis, especially when cytology or biopsy is questionable or impractical. Furthermore, because of the high sensitivity of the test, it may be a practical screening test to rule out TCC in geriatric patients or patients with clinical signs related to the lower urinary tract, particularly before pyuria and hematuria develop which may interfere with test results.     

Canine Bladder and Urethral Tumors: A Retrospective Study of 115 Cases (1980–1985)

One hundred and fifteen dogs with neoplasms of the lower urinary tract (bladder and/or urethra) were retrospectively evaluated at five referral institutions participating in ongoing studies by the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group. Most tumors were malignant (97%) and of epithelial origin (97%). Lower urinary tract tumors were more common in older dogs weighing greater than 10 kg. The following significant (P less than 0.05) statistical associations were found using the University of Guelph hospital population as control; there was no sex predisposition although the female:male ratio was 1.95:1. Neutered dogs were predisposed as were Airedale Terriers, Beagles, and Scottish Terriers, whereas German Shepherds were significantly under-represented among dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. These statistical associations should be interpreted cautiously because of possible demographic differences in hospital populations among the University of Guelph and other cooperating institutions. There were no significant correlations between age, gender, weight, breed, response to therapy, and survival time. Clinical signs were indicative of lower urinary tract disease and included hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. The laboratory data were nonspecific except for urinalysis test results. Hematuria and inflammatory urinary sediments were most commonly reported; neoplastic cells were identified in the urine sediment of 30% of dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. Contrast cystography was a useful noninvasive diagnostic method since 96% of the dogs had a mass or filling defect in the lower urinary tract demonstrated by this technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Polypoid cystitis in 17 dogs (1978-2001)

Polypoid cystitis is a rare disease of the urinary bladder in dogs characterized by inflammation, epithelial proliferation, and development of a polypoid mass or masses without histopathologic evidence of neoplasia. Medical records of 17 dogs with polypoid cystitis were reviewed to determine the clinical and laboratory features of this disorder and to assess treatment and outcome. Most affected dogs (15/17) were female and presented for evaluation of hematuria or recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Proteus spp were the most common bacterial isolates (12/52 or 23.1%) identified when all urine samples obtained for culture at any time during the course study were considered. Other commonly isolated organisms included Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus spp, and Enterococcus spp. Several dogs (7/17) also had cystic calculi at some time during the course of their disease. Most of the masses (11/14) were located cranioventrally in the bladder as opposed to transitional cell carcinoma, which has a predilection for the bladder neck or trigone area. It is unknown whether persistent or recurrent UTI predisposes to polyp formation or if polyps predispose to UTI. Surgery and removal of all polyps was the most efficacious treatment in dogs of this study. The question of whether or not polyps represent preneoplastic lesions remains unanswered and constitutes an area for future investigation.     

High Urine Concentrations of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Dogs With Bladder Cancer

Because dogs with bladder cancer often have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, the identification and use of a tumor marker that could facilitate earlier diagnosis is a valid approach to improve prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine if urine concentrations of the proan-giogenic peptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), are high in dogs with bladder cancer compared with normal dogs and dogs with urinary tract infection. We used a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kit to quantitate bFGF in the urine of 17 normal dogs, 10 dogs with urinary tract infection, and 7 dogs with locally active transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In normal dogs, the median urine bFGF concentration was 2.23 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 1.53 to 5.12 ng/g creatinine). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with urinary tract infection did not differ significantly from normal dogs. Dogs with bladder cancer had significantly higher urine bFGF concentrations than normal dogs ( P < .002) and dogs with infection ( P < .02). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma was 9.86 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 7.40 to 21.63 ng/g creatinine). Six of 7 dogs with bladder cancer had urine bFGF concentrations that were up to 7.4 times the 90th percentile value for normal dogs. Only 1 of 10 dogs with infection had a urine bFGF concentration that exceeded the 90th percentile of normal. These data suggest that canine bladder cancers export bFGF, and that urine bFGF may be useful as a diagnostic tumor marker or noninvasive indicator of treatment response. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:231–234. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Evaluation of methods for localization of urinary tract infection in the female dog.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) was induced in the left kidney of seven female dogs and in the urinary bladder of eight female dogs. Several methods advocated for localization of UTI in other species were tested in the infected dogs. Although fever, renal pain, and leukocytosis were detected in some dogs with renal infection, findings were transient. Radiographic changes in the kidneys and ureters were detected in some dogs with renal infection, but were absent in others. Bladder washout studies were not reliable for differentiating renal infection from bladder infection. Antibody coating studies were positive in dogs with bladder infection and in dogs with renal infection. The positive results from dogs with bladder infection may have been because of nonspecific binding of immunoglobulins to Staphylococcus aureus after leakage of serum immunoglobulins into urine. Studies of six dogs of both sexes with naturally occurring UTI indicated that their serum contained antibody against common urinary pathogens and that this antibody gained access to the urine in some dogs. It was concluded that the antibody coating test was unreliable for localization of UTI in the dog.     

Outcome of and complications associated with tube cystostomy in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1995-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for cystostomy tube use in dogs and cats, complications associated with their use, and outcome of dogs and cats in which cystostomy tubes had been inserted. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 39 cats. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by use of a client questionnaire. RESULTS: Indications for cystostomy tube placement were bladder dysfunction, urinary tract rupture, obstructive urinary tract neoplasia, urinary diversion following urogenital surgery, obstructive urolithiasis, and feline lower urinary tract disease. Median time tubes were in place was 11 days, but duration of tube use was significantly longer for animals with bladder dysfunction than for animals with urinary tract trauma, urinary diversion, or urinary tract obstruction. Thirty-seven (49%) animals had tube complications. Development of complications was not significantly associated with species, age, body weight, duration of tube use, or tube type, except that animals were significantly more likely to develop complications following long-rather than short-term use. In 42 animals, the underlying condition resolved and the tube was removed; 22 animals died or were euthanatized with the tube in place. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystostomy tubes may be used for animals with various conditions related to problems with urine outflow. Nearly half the animals in the study developed complications related to the cystostomy tube, suggesting that potential complications should be discussed with owners prior to tube placement. However, most complications were easily resolved.     

Evaluation of microsatellite instability in urine for the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

Background: The accumulation of frame‐shift mutations in microsatellites (MS), termed microsatellite instability (MSI), is associated with certain tumors. MSI and its detection in urine samples has been used to aid in the detection of human bladder cancer. Hypothesis: Evaluation of MSI in urine is a useful assay test for diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs and is more specific than the commercially available, veterinary bladder tumor analyte (V‐BTA) test. Animals: Seventy‐three dogs: healthy controls (n= 21), proteinuric (n= 12), lower urinary tract disease excluding TCC (n= 17), and TCC (n= 23). Methods: Prospective observational study. Urine samples collected from each animal were evaluated for MSI and using the V‐BTA. For MSI detection, 22 MS sequences were polymerase chain reaction amplified from urine and blood, subjected to capillary electrophoresis, and the MS genotypes were compared. Aberration in ≥15% of MS was considered indicative of MSI. Results: MSI was detected in 11 of 23 (48%) urine samples from dogs with TCC. MSI was also detected in 12 of 50 (24%) of the control animals, including 29, 16, and 24% of healthy, proteinuric, and lower urinary disease dogs, respectively. In this population, sensitivity and specificity of MSI analysis was 48 and 76%, respectively, compared with 83 and 64%, respectively, for the V‐BTA test. Conclusions: MS analysis as performed in this study is not useful in the diagnosis of TCC.     

Clinicopathologic and pathologic findings of herpesvirus-induced urinary tract infection in conventionally reared cats

Clinicopathologic manifestations of induced infection of the feline lower urinary tract with bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4, strain FCAHV) were characterized in 6 conventionally reared adult cats (2 sexually intact males, 2 castrated males, and 2 females). Two additional control cats were exposed with noninfected cell culture control inoculum. Clinical and radiographic signs of lower urinary tract disease were not observed in exposed or control cats. Microscopic hematuria was detected in urine samples collected by cystocentesis from 4 to 6 exposed cats and 1 of 2 control cats. Results of culture of urine for bacteria, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, and viruses were consistently negative. Low titer of serum BHV-4 (strain FCAHV)-neutralizing antibodies was detected in 4 of 6 exposed cats, but not in controls. Gross abnormalities of the urinary tract were not observed in any cat. Light microscopic examination of serial sections of the lower urinary tract revealed mild focal lymphoid cystitis in 2 of 6 exposed cats, one of which also had increased amounts of connective tissue and proliferation of blood vessels in the urinary bladder lamina propria. Ninety days after initial exposure, BHV-4 (strain FCAHV) was reisolated from explanted urinary bladder tissues of 5 of 6 exposed cats. Virus was not isolated from tissues of control cats. It was concluded that BHV-4 (strain FCAHV) establishes persistent urinary tract infection in conventionally reared adult male and female cats. However, persistent BHV-4 infection in cats may remain clinically inapparent.     

Relationship of upper and lower urinary tract infection and bacterial invasion of uroepithelium to antibody-coated bacteria test results in female dogs

Urinary tract infection was demonstrated in 12 female dogs via bacteriologic culture of a specimen of bladder urine collected by antepubic cystocentesis. Escherichia coli was isolated in pure culture from the urine of 9 dogs. Urine specimens from 2 dogs contained E coli and alpha-streptococci and from 1 dog contained Streptococcus zymogenes in pure culture. In 6 dogs, urinary tract infection was limited to the urinary bladder, whereas 6 dogs had unilateral or bilateral culture-positive renal pelvic urine as well (specimens collected by percutaneous nephropyelostomy). An antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) test was conducted on a portion of the bladder urine specimen from each dog, and the urinary tissues from these 12 dogs and from 6 healthy, noninfected female dogs were examined at necropsy. Tissues were given a subjective score based on the severity of the lesions seen microscopically. Histologic scores, bacterial cultural results, and ACB test results were examined for significance. A significant difference was found in the histologic scores between infected and noninfected dogs (P less than 0.025), but comparisons among histologic scores, cultural results, and ACB test results were not significant among infected dogs. The ACB test could neither be used to localize bacterial infection within the urinary tract nor could it be used to indicate the presence of bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium in dogs.     

Influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis,pelvic bladder,and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs: 38 cases (1990-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis, pelvic bladder, and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 38 spayed female dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records and client follow-up were reviewed for dogs evaluated via excretory urography because of clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. Clinical signs, results of radiography, and response to surgical or medical treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical signs included urinary tract infection (n = 24), urinary incontinence (20), vaginitis (11), pollakiuria or stranguria (10), and perivulvar dermatitis (4). Vaginocystourethrographic findings included vestibulovaginal stenosis (n = 28), pelvic bladder (17), and ureteritis or pyelonephritis (4). Ten dogs had a vestibulovaginal ratio of < 0.20 (severe stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.20 to 0.25 (moderate stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.26 to 0.35 (mild stenosis), and 10 dogs had a ratio of > 0.35 (anatomically normal). Lower urinary tract infection, incontinence, and pelvic bladder were not associated with response to treatment for recessed vulva. Vestibulovaginal stenosis with a ratio < 0.20 was significantly associated negatively with response to treatment. Dogs without severe vestibulovaginal stenosis that received vulvoplasty for a recessed vulva responded well to treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vestibulovaginal stenosis is likely an important factor in dogs with vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20. Vaginectomy or resection and anastomosis should be considered in dogs with severe vestibulovaginal stenosis and signs of lower urinary tract disease.     

Urologic disorders of the geriatric dog

Disorders of the urinary system are common in geriatric dogs. Common urinary disorders that are seen in older dogs include chronic renal failure, urinary incontinence, bladder tumors, and prostate problems. Therapy for chronic renal failure is aimed at both slowing the progression of the disease and ameliorating the signs of uremia. Therapeutic recommendations for the conservative medical management of chronic renal failure include reducing dietary protein, moderately reducing salt intake, maintaining normal serum phosphorus levels, providing free access to water, avoiding stress, supplementing water soluble vitamins, using anabolic steroids to treat the anemia of chronic renal failure, treating acidosis, and controlling hypocalcemia. Urinary incontinence can often be controlled or eliminated. The appropriate approach to management of this disorder is to identify and remove specific causes. Common causes of urinary incontinence are urethral incompetence, urinary tract infection, and polyuria and polydypsia. Bladder tumors are, fortunately, not a common tumor of dogs, but are more common in geriatric dogs than in the young. The most common bladder tumor is the transitional cell carcinoma. Therapy for this tumor is usually palliative because of its malignant nature and because it is usually located in the neck of the bladder. Its location in the bladder often makes it impossible to resect the tumor completely without removing the entire bladder and diverting the ureters. New chemotherapeutic modalities are being evaluated that may increase life expectancy after diagnosis and, therefore, improve prognosis. Prostate disease is also seen in older dogs. Types of prostate abnormalities seen in dogs include prostatic hyperplasia, cysts, abscesses, acute and chronic infection, and neoplasia. The institution of proper therapy requires an accurate diagnosis; neutering is often recommended as a part of therapy regardless of the type of prostatic disease present.     

Corynebacterium urealyticum urinary tract infection in dogs and cats: 7 cases (1996-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical features of Corynebacterium urealyticum urinary tract infection in dogs and cats and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of C urealyticum isolates. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 5 dogs and 2 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs and cats for which C urealyticum was isolated from urine samples were reviewed. Isolates from clinical cases, along with previously lyophilized unsubtyped isolates of Corynebacterium spp collected between 1977 and 1995, were examined and, if subtyped as C urealyticum, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: Signalment of infected animals was variable. Prior micturition disorders were common, and all animals had signs of lower urinary tract disease at the time C urealyticum infection was diagnosed. Median urine pH was 8.0; WBCs and bacteria were variably seen in urine sediment. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 14 C urealyticum isolates revealed that all were susceptible or had intermediate susceptibility to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and vancomycin and most were susceptible to enrofloxacin. Thickening of the bladder wall and accumulation of sediment were common ultrasonographic findings. Contrast radiography or cystoscopy revealed findings consistent with encrusting cystitis in 3 dogs. Infection resolved in 2 dogs following surgical debridement of bladder plaques and antimicrobial administration. In 2 other dogs and 1 cat treated with antimicrobials, infection with C urealyticum resolved, but urinary tract infection with a different bacterial species developed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that preexisting urinary tract disorders are common in dogs and cats with C urealyticum infection. Treatment with appropriate antimicrobials in combination with surgical debridement might eliminate C urealyticum infection.     

Detection of canine microalbuminuria using semiquantitative test strips designed for use with human urine

Background — Commercial testing for microalbuminuria in human urine is often performed with point-of-care semiquantitative test strips followed by quantitative testing when indicated. An ELISA that quantifies canine urine albumin concentration has been developed, but semiquantitative test strips for use in the dog are not available.
Objective — The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the concordance of canine urine albumin concentrations measured by a commercial human test strip and by ELISA.
Methods — Urine samples were obtained from 67 dogs evaluated for a variety of clinical conditions. Dipstick urinalyses were performed on all samples; clinician discretion determined method of urine collection and performance of urine sediment examination and/or urine culture. Urine albumin concentration was determined using test strips (Clinitek Microalbumin, Bayer Corporation, Elkhart, Ind, USA), and results were compared with those obtained by ELISA.
Results — The Clinitek strips correctly determined albumin concentration in 42 of 67 (63%) urine samples tested. Concordance was lowest (48%) for dogs with microalbuminuria (10–300 μg/mL by ELISA). Clinitek strip sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria were 48% and 75%, respectively. Concordance was lower in dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria and in samples collected by catheterization. Sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria after exclusion of dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria were 59% and 83%, respectively.
Conclusion — These results suggest that the Clinitek strips lack sufficient concordance with results obtained by ELISA to be reliable screening tests for microalbuminuria in the dog. A reliable semiquantitative point-of-care test for canine urine albumin concentrations below those detected by standard urine dipsticks is still needed.     

Frequency of urinary tract infection in dogs with inflammatory skin disorders treated with ciclosporin alone or in combination with glucocorticoid therapy: a retrospective study

Background – Few studies have investigated the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs receiving long‐term ciclosporin therapy. Hypothesis/Objectives – The goal of the study was to investigate the frequency of UTI in dogs receiving ciclosporin with or without glucocorticoids. A secondary goal was to determine whether bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were good predictors of UTI, and if ciclosporin dose, concurrent ketoconazole therapy, sex or duration of therapy affected the frequency of UTI. Animals – Eighty‐seven dogs with various inflammatory skin disorders and 59 control dogs with inflammatory skin conditions that had not received glucocorticoids or ciclosporin for 6 months were enrolled. Methods – This study was retrospective. The first urine culture from dogs receiving ciclosporin was compared with control dogs using Fisher’s exact test. A logistic mixed model was used to test for association between a positive bacterial culture and duration of treatment, dose of ciclosporin, concurrent ketoconazole therapy and sex. The sensitivities and specificities for bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were determined. Results – Twenty‐six of 87 (30%) ciclosporin‐treated dogs had at least one positive culture. Compared with 3% positive control samples, 15% were positive in treated dogs (P = 0.027). The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 64.1 and 98.1% for bacteriuria, 74.4 and 70.9% for pyuria, and 56.4 and 65.3% for urine specific gravity. All other analysed parameters were not significantly different. Conclusions and clinical importance – The results suggest that routine urine cultures and assessment of bacteriuria by cystocentesis should be part of the monitoring for dogs on long‐term ciclosporin with and without glucocorticoids.     

Clinicopathologic analysis of herpesvirus-induced urinary tract infection in specific-pathogen-free cats given methylprednisolone

The clinicopathologic manifestations of bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4; FCAHV strain)-induced infection of the lower portion of the urinary tract were characterized in 12 adult neutered male and 6 female specific-pathogen-free cats, and were compared with those in 12 neutered male control cats. Six neutered male and 6 female cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with BHV-4. Six neutered male control cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. Six additional neutered male control cats were exposed only to uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. All cats were observed for 90 days following inoculation. Dysuria and gross hematuria were observed in only 1 BHV-4-exposed cat. Radiographic abnormalities of the lower portion of the urinary tract were not observed. Microscopic hematuria, crystalluria, and lipiduria were identified with similar frequency in BHV-4-exposed and control cats. Results of urine culturing for bacteria, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and viruses were negative. Viruses were not isolated from blood leukocytes collected from exposed or control cats. Three to 6 weeks after inoculation, high concentrations of BHV-4 serum antibodies were detected in all exposed cats by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Light microscopic examination of the urinary tract revealed multifocal lymphoid cystitis in 2 BHV-4-exposed cats. Except for suppurative bronchitis in 1 BHV-4-exposed cat given glucocorticoids, morphologic differences in urinary and extraurinary tissues were not observed. In urinary bladder tissue collected 90 days after inoculation, BHV-4 was reisolated from urinary bladder explants of all but 1 exposed cat. Virus was also isolated from a kidney explant of 1 exposed male cat, and spleen cell co-cultures of 1 exposed female cat given glucocorticoids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Detection of occult urinary tract infections in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Dogs with diabetes mellitus may develop occult urinary tract infections. In this study, diabetic dogs with negative and positive bacterial urine cultures were compared. Records from 51 dogs with diabetes mellitus were reviewed at the University of Illinois. No difference was identified between the groups in urine specific gravity, pH, glucose, ketones, protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, or epithelial cells. Dogs with occult urinary tract infection did have an increased incidence of bacteriuria, but this was not a consistent finding. Therefore, the urine on all diabetic dogs should be cultured to accurately identify the presence or absence of bacterial urinary tract infections.     

Evaluation of a method using Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to experimentally induce dual infection of the urinary bladder in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method using Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to experimentally induce dual infection of the urinary bladder in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 healthy mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized, and cystitis was induced by infusing a solution of salicylic acid in ethanol into the bladder, followed by an inoculum containing field isolates of P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. Dogs were examined daily for 21 days after induction of cystitis. On day 21, dogs were euthanatized, and urinary bladder, renal pelvis, and prostate specimens were submitted for bacterial culture. RESULTS: After induction of cystitis, all dogs had evidence of thickening of the bladder wall, dysuria, tenesmus, and hematuria. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria. All urine samples obtained on day 21 yielded growth of P. mirabilis, but P. aeruginosa was not cultured from any of these samples. Proteus mirabilis was isolated from bladder, renal pelvis, or prostate specimens from 4 dogs; P. aeruginosa was not isolated from any of the tissue specimens. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the method used in the present study fails to induce dual infection of the urinary bladder with P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. The inability to establish a persistent dual infection with this method may have been a result of insufficient pathogenicity of the Pseudomonas isolate or an inadequacy of the experimental design.     

Absence of urinary tract infection in dogs with experimentally induced hyperadrenocorticism

Objectives of this study were to determine occurrence of urinary tract infection and describe results of urine analysis and urine culture in dogs with experimentally induced hyperadrenocorticism. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either hydrocortisone (nine dogs) or placebo (eight dogs) for 49 consecutive days. Before and on day 49 of treatment, evaluation of dogs included physical examination, abdominal ultrasound, urine culture, urinalysis, adrenal function testing, and measurement of urine protein and creatinine and activity of serum alkaline phosphatase. All dogs in the experimental group had clinical and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism. Urine specific gravity was significantly decreased and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was significantly increased in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Urinary tract infection did not occur in any dogs. We conclude that administration of hydrocortisone created a model of hyperadrenocorticism; however, urinary tract infection did not occur. Additional evaluation is needed to determine association between urinary tract infection and hyperadrenocorticism.     

Comparison of three techniques for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in dogs with urolithiasis

OBJECTIVES: To identify an appropriate sampling technique(s) to accurately detect the bacteria causing urinary tract infections in dogs with urolithiasis. METHODS: Twenty-one dogs with urolithiasis were included in the study. Three types of samples were taken from each dog. Urine was collected by cystocentesis, and a urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith were retrieved during cystotomy. The samples were then cultured on blood agar and MacConkey's agar to identify the bacteria associated with urinary tract infections. RESULTS: Bacterial urinary tract infection was found in 16 cases (76.19 per cent). The most prevalent bacteria found to cause urinary tract infection were Escherichia coli (n=7), followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species (n=4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=2) and Proteus mirabilis (n=1). In the case of a positive urine culture, the same bacteria were also cultured from the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy alone or from both the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith. However, in the case of a negative urine culture, bacteria were found to be present in the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy or urolith cultures in 23.81 per cent of dogs. The uroliths that gave positive culture results were either infection-induced uroliths composed of struvite and calcium carbonate phosphate, ammonium acid urate only or metabolic uroliths composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate, or calcium phosphate only. All the uroliths that gave negative culture results were metabolic uroliths composed of calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate, and uric acid and calcium phosphate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When the culture from the urine obtained by cystocentesis is negative, cultures of urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith are recommended in dogs with urolithiasis in order to accurately assess the microbiological status of the urinary tract.