Retrospective studies have shown that up to 50% of dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism have urinary tract infections (UTIs). The previous studies did not have a control group, however, so it is not known whether UTI is more common in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Dogs in this study received either placebo or hydrocortisone for 49 consecutive days. All dogs receiving the hydrocortisone had clinical and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism. None of the dogs in either group developed UTI. This is in contrast to dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. The reasons for these differences may be that dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism have the disease for much longer than those in the study. It is also possible that the model differs from naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism. Also, dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism may have other conditions that predispose them to UTI. Further studies are necessary to determine whether dogs with hyperadrenocorticism are truly predisposed to UTI.
Absence of urinary tract infection in dogs with experimentally induced hyperadrenocorticism. Forrester SD, Martinez NI, Panciera DL, et al. RES VET SCI 74:179-182, 2003.
