Prevalence and characterization of urinary tract infections in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI), factors that correlate positively with UTI, and whether identified UTI are most likely community- or hospital acquired in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusions.


METHODS
Prospective cross-sectional clinical study.


METHODS
Dogs (n=92) that were surgically treated for a thoracolumbar extradural compressive spinal cord lesion that was consistent with type 1 IVD extrusion.


METHODS
Dogs were evaluated for bacterial lower UTI when possible by cystocentesis and urine culture before surgery, and 48-72, 96-120 hours, and 7 days after surgery while hospitalized. Paraparesis, confirmation of thoracolumbar extruded nucleus pulposus, and informed owner consent were required for study inclusion. Urine specimens (n=297) were cultured and both objective and subjective clinical data were obtained.


RESULTS
Prevalence of UTI in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion was 27% (25 dogs). Temporal prevalence of UTI was 15% (13/89) before surgery, 12% (11/91) at 2-3 days, 16% (12/76) at 4-5 days, and 20% (8/41) at 7 days after surgery. Statistically significant factors affecting UTI prevalence included neurologic and urinary status, sex, administration of perioperative antibiotics, and amount of time body temperature was <35 degrees C during anesthesia.


CONCLUSIONS
UTI are common in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. Females, dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate, dogs not administered perioperative cefazolin, and dogs whose body temperature falls <35 degrees C during anesthesia have a higher incidence of UTI.


CONCLUSIONS
All dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion should be monitored for the presence of UTI; however, close attention should be paid to females and dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate.
Stiffler
Kevin S
KS
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Athens Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30602-7390, USA.
Stevenson
M A McCrackin
MA
Sanchez
Susan
S
Barsanti
Jeanne A
JA
Hofmeister
Erik
E
Budsberg
Steven C
SC
D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000652:urine; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*