Identify and correct the underlying problems to avoid recurrent urinary tract infections

It is important to identify and correct the underlying problems in order to avoid repeated antibiotic treatments, according to a speaker at the conference New York Vet 2018.

During A session supported by PRN Pharmcal, Gary Oswald, DMV, MS, DACVIM, told the audience that there was "a significant percentage of antibiotics use in medicine veterinarian for the treatment of the urinary tract ", and he added that, even if part of this use is appropriate, there is a" misuse ". The goal, he said, is to "discourage the inefficient and excessive use of antibiotics. "

Typical clinical signs of less urinary tract infection, particularly in cats, may include periuria, pollakiaurie, dysuria, stranguria, and hematuria.

Bacteria t Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus are generally badociated with urinary tract infections in animals. Oswald noted that patients with sublinable bacteriuria who did not have virulence factors, as usually occurs after previous antibiotic therapy, should not receive antibiotics. He cited a study conducted in 2014 in the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine which noted that in canine patients with subclinical bacteriuria who were not treated with antibiotics, it was not necessary to use the antibiotics. There was no increase in pyelonephritis as compared to untreated patients.

"Monitor and consider non-antibiotic treatments [for patients with sublinical bacteriuria] but consider antibiotic therapy if the patient is at risk.

Discussing the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections, Oswald pointed out that the key was to correct the underlying problems, improve the patient's overall immunocompetence, improve the defense mechanisms of the lower urinary tract, and to create an inhospitable environment for colonizing bacteria.

He stated that the resolution of metabolic problems, including weight problems that could lead to diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism, was a good starting point for treating urinary tract infections recurring.

Oswald also encouraged a thorough review of dermatology that could lead to infections, including the verification of wet, chronically wet, and therefore infected areas

. and chronic use of antibiotics, as potential contributors to chronic diseases. Advising homeowners on these issues can prevent repeated trips to the vet's office, leading to happier owners and happier pets, he said.