Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Urinary tract infection risk in diabetic cats explained
By Bailiff, N L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2006·Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Frequency and risk factors for urinary tract infection in cats with diabetes mellitus.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 141 diabetic cats was studied to see how often they had urinary tract infections (UTIs). Out of these cats, 18 were found to have a UTI, with the bacteria Escherichia coli being the most common cause. Female cats were more likely to get these infections. Signs that owners might notice include frequent urination or straining to urinate. The study suggests that regular urine tests could help catch these infections early, even if the cat's diabetes is well-managed.
People also search for: cat urinary tract infection symptoms · diabetic cat UTI treatment · why is my cat straining to urinate
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Identification and control of infections are important in the management of diabetic cats. Urinary tract infections have not been well characterized in diabetic cats. This retrospective study was performed to review and characterize urinary tract infections in diabetic cats. HYPOTHESIS: Urinary tract infections are common in diabetic cats. ANIMALS: A review was made of the medical records of 141 diabetic cats that had had urine obtained for culture by antepubic cystocentesis and that had not been treated with antibiotics, undergone urinary tract catheterization or urinary tract surgery within 2 weeks of urine collection or had urethral obstruction at the time of urine collection. METHODS: A review of medical records. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection was identified in 18 of 141 diabetic cats. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (67%). Female cats were at increased risk (prevalence odds ratios [POR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 10.2; P = .013). Clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease and findings on urine sediment examination were good predictors of positive urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Urinary tract infections are common in diabetic cats regardless of status of diabetic control, suggesting routine monitoring with urine sediment exams or urine culture is warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16955808/