Subclinical bacteriuria and surgical site infections in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of subclinical bacteriuria (SBU) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease, the clinical variables and clinicopathologic data associated with SBU, and the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) in dogs with and without SBU.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, clinical cohort study.

ANIMALS

One hundred fifty-five dogs with CCL disease.

METHODS

Dogs had a urinalysis, sediment examination, and aerobic urine culture performed. Age, breed, sex, body weight, body condition score, clinical history, and physical examination findings were recorded. Dogs with SBU were not treated for bacteriuria or with postoperative antibiotics. Standard perioperative antimicrobials were provided for all dogs. Dogs that received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were not excluded. Dogs that underwent an osteotomy were followed for at least 1 year to determine incidence of SSI. Outcomes and variables associated with SBU were assessed.

RESULTS

In 155 dogs with CCL disease, the prevalence of SBU was 6.5%, and SBU occurred exclusively in female dogs (11.4%). The incidence of SSI was 22.3% (25/112). Two of six dogs with SBU and 23/106 dogs without SBU developed SSI. Organisms isolated from SSI were different from those isolated from urine.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SBU in dogs with CCL disease was similar to that in other studies in which SBU was evaluated in various populations of dogs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Screening for and treatment of SBU may not be beneficial prior to tibial osteotomy for CCL disease. Additional studies are required to determine whether dogs with SBU have a greater risk of SSI.