Urinary tract infections in small animals: pathophysiology and diagnosis

Abstract

URINARY tract infections (UTIs) reportedly account for between 5 and 10 per cent of canine and 0‐1 to 1 per cent of feline veterinary visits. In this, the first of two articles on the therapeutics of UTIs in dogs and cats, the aetiology and pathophysiology of these conditions are discussed and an approach to the diagnostic work‐up is outlined. The second article, to be published in the next issue, focuses on treatment options and the long‐term management of problem cases.