Blood Test For Uti In Dogs: What You Need To Know

can a blood test detect uti in dogs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition in dogs, especially females, and can be very painful. A UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder, where they multiply, causing infection. To diagnose a UTI, a vet will typically collect a urine sample from the dog, although blood tests can also be used to check for signs of disease and ensure internal organs are functioning correctly.

Characteristics Values
Can a blood test detect UTI in dogs? No, a blood test cannot detect UTI in dogs. A urine sample is required to detect UTI in dogs.
How is UTI diagnosed in dogs? To diagnose UTI in dogs, a veterinarian collects a sterile urine sample from the dog using a technique called cystocentesis, in which a needle is inserted through the body wall into the bladder and urine is removed by a syringe. This technique is safe and painless for the dog. The urine sample is then analysed (urinalysis) and examined under a microscope to look for bacteria and/or white blood cells. If bacteria and/or increased numbers of white blood cells are present, a urine culture is performed to confirm the presence of a UTI.
What are the symptoms of UTI in dogs? Symptoms of UTI in dogs may include bloody and/or cloudy urine, straining or whimpering during urination, accidents in the house, needing to be let outside more frequently, and licking around the urinary opening. However, some dogs may not show any symptoms at all.

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Urine analysis

To diagnose a UTI, veterinarians collect a sterile urine sample through a technique called cystocentesis. This method involves inserting a needle into the dog's bladder and extracting urine with a syringe. It is a safe and painless procedure that ensures the sample is not contaminated.

The urine sample is then analysed in a laboratory through a process called urinalysis. This analysis includes several key steps:

  • Examination of Urine Characteristics: The veterinarian will assess the urine's specific gravity, which indicates how well the dog is concentrating their urine. They will also measure the pH levels, as certain pH levels can suggest an infection or other issues.
  • Detection of Abnormal Substances: The urine is tested for the presence of ketones, glucose, and bilirubin. The presence of these substances can indicate diabetes, body-wasting, or other abnormalities.
  • Centrifugation: After measuring these levels, the urine sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate cells and debris from the liquid. This process allows for a closer examination of the urine's constituents.
  • Microscopic Evaluation: The separated cells and debris are then examined under a microscope to identify the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, and crystals. The presence of these components can provide valuable information about the dog's urinary tract health.

Once the urinalysis is complete, veterinarians can make more informed decisions about the next steps in treating a suspected UTI. For example, if crystals are found in the urine, further imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be recommended to check for bladder stones.

It is important to note that a urinalysis may not always detect a UTI, especially in immunocompromised dogs or those with highly diluted urine. In such cases, a urine culture, which involves growing bacteria in a laboratory, may be necessary to confirm the presence of an infection.

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Cystocentesis

Blood tests are not mentioned in the context of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. However, a UTI in dogs is usually diagnosed by a urinalysis, which involves testing a sample of the dog's urine.

One way to collect a urine sample is through a procedure called cystocentesis. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the bladder through the abdominal wall to extract a urine sample. Cystocentesis is considered the best method for collecting a urine sample because it prevents any contamination in the sample.

During the procedure, the bladder is grasped between the thumb and forefinger to push it slightly in the cranial direction, similar to holding a tense balloon. A sterile needle and syringe are used to collect the urine, with the needle connected to a 6- or 12-mL syringe. The needle is directed towards the pelvic inlet to minimize bladder trauma, and gentle negative pressure is applied to the syringe during puncture to immediately aspirate the urine. Ultrasound guidance can be used to accurately locate the bladder and sample the urine, especially in larger or obese dogs.

There are two types of cystocentesis: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic cystocentesis is used to prevent contamination of the urine sample, while therapeutic cystocentesis is employed as a last resort to relieve pressure buildup due to urethral obstruction. Therapeutic cystocentesis is typically a last resort because a greatly distended bladder is more likely to rupture when punctured.

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Microscopic examination

A urinalysis is a routine test that reports the physical and chemical properties of urine. It is used to assess the health of the kidneys and urinary system and can also reveal problems in other organ systems. Urinalysis is a valuable test in both healthy and sick animals and should be included in any comprehensive evaluation of a pet's health.

A urinalysis involves four parts:

  • Assessing appearance: This includes evaluating the colour and turbidity (cloudiness) of the urine. Normal urine is pale yellow to light amber and is generally clear to slightly cloudy. Changes in colour and turbidity can indicate the presence of blood, inflammatory cells, crystals, mucus, or debris.
  • Measuring concentration: Also known as specific gravity, this measures the density of the urine. Healthy kidneys should produce dense (concentrated) urine, while watery (dilute) urine may indicate underlying disease.
  • Measuring pH: Urine pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the urine. The normal pH range for dogs is 6 to 7.5. Changes in pH can be influenced by diet, medications, or the presence of disease.
  • Microscopic examination: This involves examining the cells and solid material present in the urine using a microscope. To do this, the urine sample is placed in a tube and centrifuged to force the cells and solid material to settle at the bottom. This accumulated material, or sediment, is then spread on a slide and examined under a microscope.

The microscopic examination of urine sediment is an essential part of a urinalysis. It helps identify the presence of various elements in the urine, such as:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): RBCs are small, biconcave, and without internal structure. In healthy animals, up to 5 RBCs per high-power field (HPF) may be present. Increased numbers of RBCs can indicate bleeding or conditions such as bladder stones, infection, coagulation problems, trauma, or cancer.
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): WBCs are round, approximately 1½ to 2 times the size of RBCs, and have refractive internal granularity. Up to 5 WBCs per HPF may be present in healthy animals. Increased numbers of WBCs indicate inflammation, which is often secondary to bacterial infection.
  • Epithelial Cells: Epithelial cells line the urinary tract, and small numbers are typically found in the urine of healthy animals, especially those obtained by catheterization. Increased numbers of epithelial cells, particularly transitional cells, may indicate inflammation or malignancy.
  • Casts: Urinary casts are cylindrical moulds formed in the renal tubules. They are primarily composed of a mucoprotein. Increased numbers of casts in the urine (cylinduria) localise a disease process to the kidneys.
  • Crystals: Crystals are commonly found in urine and can vary in size, shape, and colour. While some crystals are unique to specific diagnoses, others may have no diagnostic significance. The presence of certain crystals can be influenced by factors such as urine pH, concentration of crystallogenic materials, urine temperature, and time between urine collection and examination.
  • Bacteria: The presence of bacteria in the urine can indicate infection or contamination. Bacterial rods are more easily identified than bacterial cocci.
  • Other Elements: Other elements that may be seen in urine sediment include yeast, lipid droplets, sperm, and plant material.

The microscopic examination of urine sediment provides valuable information about the health of the urinary system and can help identify various diseases or conditions affecting the kidneys and other organ systems. It is an important tool in the comprehensive evaluation of a pet's health.

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Urine culture

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs, especially females. The infection occurs when there is a break in the animal's defences and bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. UTIs may or may not be associated with symptoms. However, some signs of a UTI in dogs include frequent urination, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and excessive licking of the genital area.

If you suspect your dog has a UTI, it is important to take them to the vet for testing. The vet will collect a urine sample by inserting a needle directly into the bladder, which is a safe and painless procedure. This method ensures that the sample is not contaminated.

The urine sample is then tested to confirm the presence of a UTI. This initial testing can be done through a urinalysis, which involves examining the urine under a microscope to look for bacteria and white blood cells. If these are present, your veterinarian will recommend performing a urine culture test.

A urine culture test is a more advanced diagnostic tool that can confirm the presence of a UTI and identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where the bacteria are grown on culture plates. This process can take around 2-3 days. Once the bacteria are identified, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed to determine the best antibiotic treatment.

The benefits of a urine culture test are significant. It allows vets to prescribe the most effective treatment for your pet and helps prevent complications. Additionally, it can save you money in the long run by ensuring that your dog receives the correct medication from the start. Without this test, vets may have to resort to guesswork, which can lead to unnecessary costs and the risk of drug-resistant infections.

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Additional testing

In some cases, additional testing may be required to determine if a UTI is present in dogs. While a urinalysis is typically the first step in diagnosing a UTI, further tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or identify any underlying conditions.

One additional test is a urine culture, which is particularly useful if the urinalysis results are inconclusive. A urine culture involves sending a sample of the dog's urine to a laboratory, where the bacteria are grown and identified. This test can take several days to complete and is considered the most accurate method for confirming a UTI.

In certain instances, blood work may also be recommended. Blood tests can help evaluate the function of internal organs and check for signs of disease. They can also help identify underlying health issues that may have contributed to the UTI or be affected by it. For example, blood tests can detect liver disease, kidney dysfunction, and blood protein levels.

Imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or radiographs, may also be necessary to detect the presence of bladder stones or other obstructions in the urinary tract. These imaging techniques can also help identify tumours or other abnormalities that may be causing the UTI symptoms.

It is important to note that the specific additional tests required will depend on the individual case and the dog's medical history. Veterinarians will use their expertise and the results of the initial urinalysis to determine the most appropriate course of action for diagnosing and treating a UTI in dogs.

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Frequently asked questions

Symptoms of a UTI in dogs include bloody and/or cloudy urine, straining or whimpering during urination, accidents in the house, needing to be let outside more frequently, and licking around the urinary opening. However, some dogs don't show any symptoms at all.

Take your dog to the vet. They will collect a sterile urine sample from your dog using a technique called cystocentesis, which involves inserting a needle through the body wall into the bladder and removing urine with a syringe. This is safe and painless for your dog. The vet will then analyse the sample under a microscope to look for bacteria and/or white blood cells, which could indicate inflammation. If these are present, your vet will likely perform a urine culture to confirm the presence of a UTI.

No, a blood test cannot detect a UTI in dogs. However, blood tests can help to make sure your dog's internal organs are functioning correctly and check for signs of disease. Urine analysis is the best way to detect a UTI in dogs.

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