Evaluation of open versus closed urine collection systems and development of nosocomial bacteriuria in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether use of a closed urine collection system would decrease the incidence of nosocomial bacteriuria in hospitalized dogs, compared with use of an open urine collection system (used, sterile IV bags).


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
51 hospitalized dogs requiring indwelling urinary catheterization for >or= 24 hours.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly assigned to an open or closed urine collection system group. A standardized protocol for catheter placement and maintenance was followed for all dogs. A baseline urine sample was collected via cystocentesis for aerobic bacterial culture, with additional urine samples obtained daily from the urine collection reservoir.


RESULTS
27 dogs were assigned to the open urine collection system group, and 24 were assigned to the closed urine collection system group. The incidence of nosocomial bacteriuria in dogs with open urine collection systems (3/27 [11.1%]) was not significantly different from incidence in dogs with closed urine collection systems (2/24 [8.3%]). Median duration of catheterization was 2 days for dogs in both groups; the range was 1 to 7 days for dogs in the open group and 1 to 5 days for dogs in the closed group.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that for dogs requiring short-term indwelling urinary catheterization, the type of urine collection system (open vs closed) was not associated with likelihood of developing nosocomial bacteriuria. Use of a strict protocol for urinary catheter placement and maintenance was likely key in the low incidence of nosocomial bacteriuria in the present study.
Sullivan
Lauren A
LA
James L. Voss Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. lasulli@colostate.edu
Campbell
Vicki L
VL
Onuma
Serene C
SC
D000818:Animals; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*