Diagnosis of Canine Urinary Tract Infections

Canine urinary tract infections can be diagnosed through a complete evaluation by the dog's veterinarian.  Diagnostic measures will begin with a physical examination and questions pertaining to the dog's medical history, as well as any prior incidents of urinary tract infections, age, dietary information, and urination habits.  The owner will also be asked about their observation of symptoms and when they first noticed a change in the dog’s urinary habits.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, including an extensive examination of the dog’s upper and lower urinary tract.  The veterinarian will include palpation of the bladder and an examination of the external genitalia as part of the physical.  Steps are also taken to make a rectal assessment and an evaluation of the prostrate, if the patient is a male dog.

A sample of the dog’s urine will be tested to ascertain the concentration of urine, blood cell count, and the presence of bacteria or any foreign matter in the urine.  This procedure is known as a urinalysis.