Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 55 No. 6, 2024.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.55.6.8
Urinary tract bacterial infections in small animal practice: clinical and epidemiological aspects
Ana Pereira
orcid.org/0009-0000-0166-8609
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
*
Catarina Jota Baptista
orcid.org/0000-0002-4841-0143
; Portugal Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), UTAD, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
Paula Alexandra Oliveira
; Department of Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), UTAD, Portugal
Ana Cláudia Coelho
orcid.org/0000-0002-7196-4179
; Department of Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in dogs and cats, and it can occur as isolated infections or recurrently. Recurrent cases are particularly common in cases with underlying health conditions. The diagnosis of UTIs in dogs and cats generally involves an integrated interpretation of clinical signs, urinalysis, and bacterial cultures. Diagnostic imaging can also help assessing or discarding anatomical lesions. One of the many microorganisms that can cause UTIs is Escherichia coli. Females, geriatric patients, and animals with comorbidities usually have an increased risk of UTI. Antimicrobial prescription is common for the treatment of UTIs in companion animals. However, nowadays, there is a growing concern about antimicrobial resistance due to over-prescription driving selection for resistance. Therefore, correct prescription and appropriate patient management are essential. This review aims to provide a summary of the clinical and epidemiological aspects of UTIs, contributing to improving veterinary practices and antibiotic prescription in the context of UTIs in companion animals.
Keywords
Cats; Clinical signs; Dogs; Epidemiology; Urinary tract infections
Hrčak ID:
315618
URI
Publication date:
21.4.2024.
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