In a recent study of 101 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus, or both disorders, 42% had urinary tract infections (UTI) diagnosed by urine culture. UTI was present in 46% of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, 37% of dogs with diabetes mellitus, and 50% of dogs with both disorders. E. coli was the most common bacterium isolated, present in 69% of dogs. Clinical signs of dysuria or pollakiuria were present in < 5% of the dogs with UTI, and 19% of dogs with positive cultures had neither pyuria or bacteriuria on urinalysis.

Conclusion: A urine culture should be included routinely as part of the initial evaluation of dogs with these endocrine disorders regardless of clinical signs or urinalysis findings.

Reference: Forrester, et al. J Vet Int Med 13: 557-560, 1999.