Recurrent and persistent urinary tract infections in dogs: 383 cases (1969-1995)

Laboratory records of bacterial urine cultures from 383 dogs with recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTI) diagnosed at the University o f California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) between 1969 and 1 995 were reviewed retrospectively to characterize the bacteria involved and their association with age, gender, and breed of dogs affected. Sixty-eigh t breeds and a mixed-breed group were represented. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate, although mixed-bacterial infections were seen in 58% of the female and 55% of the male dogs. Recurrent and persistent UTI were m ost prevalent in middle-aged to older German shepherd dogs, miniature/toy p oodles, and Labrador retrievers, with no apparent sex predilection. Criteri a fitting recurrent and persistent UTI were present in 0.3% of all dogs see n at the VMTH during this 26-year period.