Urinalysis and culture results of free-catch urine samples in dogs: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of bacterial presence in free-catch urine samples preceded by either a standardised prepped ("clean-catch") protocol versus unprepped (non-cleaned) voiding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a single-centre prospective single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Urine samples were obtained from 100 client-owned dogs presenting for routine evaluation. Dogs were randomly assigned to either the prepped group (preputial or peri-vulvar area cleaned with sterile saline before collection) or the unprepped group (no preliminary cleansing) stratified by sex. Urinalysis and urine culture (blood and MacConkey agar) were performed on all samples. Significant bacterial presence on urine culture was defined as >104 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant associations between prepped versus unprepped collection method or sex with a urinalysis positive for bacteriuria. However, on culture, significant bacterial growth was almost five times more likely to be associated with males relative to females (odds ratio 4.59, 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 13.10). The probability of finding a positive culture was not statistically associated with prep method (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.50 to 4.08). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For the majority of dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract infection, free-catch urine collection does not result in significant bacteriuria found on analysis or culture. The presence of bacteria found in free-catch samples may be secondary to sample contamination or subclinical bacteriuria. Sample contamination or subclinical bacteriuria may be more prevalent in male dogs.

Stress in client-owned dogs related to clinical exam location: a randomised crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of wellness examinations conducted in the common treatment area on fear, anxiety and stress indicators in client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective, non-blinded, randomised, two-period two-treatment crossover trial. Client-owned healthy adult dogs presenting for wellness or dental evaluations at a single veterinary teaching hospital received three consecutive rapid assessment exams; a baseline exam (owner present), followed by two identical physical exams differing in location and presented in random order (isolated exam room with owner present versus common treatment area, owner absent). Primary endpoints were a cumulative fear, anxiety and stress score for five standardised behaviours and heart rate (bpm) measured for each exam. RESULTS: Forty-four dogs were enrolled. Modal fear, anxiety and stress score at baseline was 1 of 5, indicating none to mild stress. Both fear, anxiety and stress and heart rates measured in the common treatment area were clinically elevated relative to assessments conducted in the exam room. Relative to baseline, animals examined in the common treatment area showed increased fear, anxiety and stress (+2.6 units, se 0.5; P<0.0001) and heart rate (20 bpm, 95% confidence interval 13, 28; P<0.0001. Twenty-eight dogs (64%) exhibited fear, anxiety and stress scores ≥3 of 5 (moderate to severe stress) in the common treatment area, compared to 19 (43%) during exam room assessments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stress assessments in this study may have been biased by inability to blind assessors to location. However, stress metrics showed clinically significant, consistent and directionally symmetrical increases when dogs were examined in the common treatment area. When physical exam locations are highly stimulating, dogs may experience increased stress and anxiety, with detrimental effects on clinical assessments and behavioural welfare. Whenever possible, physical exams and procedures should take place in low-stress environments with the owner present.