Comparative hematological and biochemical alterations associated with Gram-negative bacterial infections of lower urinary tract in dogs and cats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate hematological and biochemical alterations associated with gram-negative bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. For this purpose, 56 dogs and 36 cats were examined between October 2022 and May 2023. Twenty-eight dogs and twenty-two cats with clinical signs of lower UTIs were confirmed using ultrasonography, urinalysis, hematobiochemical analysis, and molecular identification of recovered pathogen. In dogs, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (82%), crystalluria (85.7%), and proteinuria. There was also significant decrease in total protein and globulin levels compared to those in the control. A significant increase in BUN, GGT, and CRP levels was recorded in comparison with healthy dogs. Neutrophils and monocytes showed a significant increase, whereas TLC showed no significant increase. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (82%), hematuria (57.1%), proteinuria (85.7%), and crystalluria (85.7%). However, the urinary ALP levels were significantly decreased. In cats, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (72.7%) and hematuria (81.8%). A significant increase in BUN, creatinine, and GGT levels was recorded in comparison with the controls. TLC significantly increased, with neutrophilia and relative lymphopenia. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (72.7%), hematuria (81.8%), proteinuria (54.5%), crystalluria (18%), and glucosuria (63.6%). Moreover, urinary ALP was significantly higher in cats with UTIs than in controls. The results of the present study indicate that Gram-negative infections of the urinary tract induce noticeable hematobiochemical alterations in dogs and cats. Dogs mainly showed systemic inflammation with mild renal effects, whereas cats showed severe renal impairment. The significant alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters emphasize their diagnostic significance in differentiating systemic inflammation from renal dysfunction.