Short course amoxicillin for treatment of sporadic bacterial cystitis in dogs

The purpose of the study is to determine the necessary treatment duration for urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs
with amoxicillin, a common antibiotic used for this purpose.

Inclusion Criteria

• Dogs must be patients of either the Weston Veterinary Clinic, VEG Boston, VCA Westboro, Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic or Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties Hospital.
• Female and castrated male dogs from 9 months to 14 years old weighing 3-40 kg presenting with lower urinary tract signs such as blood in the urine, or straining to urinate.
• Complete medical history and physical exam including rectal exam (to assess for possible prostatic or urethral changes) must be normal.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of persistent or recurrent UTI (>3 UTIs in the preceding year)
• diabetes melitus
• hyperadrenocorticism – suspected or diagnosed
• azotemia
• urinary incontinence
• bladder stones
• urinary neoplasia
• use of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs within the previous 30 days

Client Benefits

The study will cover the cost of the initial testing to diagnose the UTI (blood work, urinalysis, and urine culture) and confirm your
dog is otherwise healthy. You will be notified of these results. If the infection is confirmed,
the study will also cover the cost of the 21-day recheck including a repeated urine culture.
Your pet’s participation will allow us to gain information which will help in determining how
long dogs need to be treated with amoxicillin for UTIs, which will hopefully help limit the
development of antibiotic resistance. You understand that your animal’s participation in this
study may not alleviate or cure his/her ailment.

Sample or Data Requirements

If you decide to participate in this study, your dog will have 3 mLs (less than one teaspoon) of blood drawn. We will also obtain a sample of urine
using a needle so we can submit it for culture. You will then give your dog 7 days of
medication. Your dog will either receive 3 days of antibiotic followed by 4 days of a placebo
or 7 days of antibiotic, and neither you nor your vet will know which group your dog is
assigned to. Your dog will need to return for a recheck in 21 days for repeated urine
sampling to confirm if the infection is gone. Prior to this recheck appointment, we ask that
you monitor your dog for signs associated with their UTI and contact us if these signs do not
resolve after completing the course of antibiotics. After the 21-day urine sample is collected,
your dog’s participation in the study will have ended.