The usual approach to recurrent UTI's is to obtain a urine sample by a procedure called cystocentesis and to run a lab test called a "culture and sensitivity", or C/S. This test grows (cultures) the infectious organisms from the urine, identifies them, and then tests them to see which antibiotics can be used to treat them. Not all antibiotics are active against all organisms.
Then dog then gets a lengthy course of antibiotics (2-4 weeks). If there continue to be recurrent infections, additional evaluation is necessary to rule out a predisposing condition, like bladder stones or abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infection--course notes for veterinary students.
[ August 25, 2004, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: Betsy Iole ]