Multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli urinary tract infection in a Malamute

Abstract

"Nikki", a ten-year-old male castrated Malamute presented to the Internal Medicine Service for evaluation and treatment of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections. A multi-drug resistant E. coli cultured from the urine was only susceptible to amikacin and gentamicin. Nikki has an extensive history, including multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatment for two mast cell tumors, thyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenoma. Nikki's right adrenal gland also has a small nodule. His susceptibility to urinary tract infections was probably increased related to his history or due to some other underlying condition. Multiple tests including extensive endocrine studies, ultrasound and a double contrast cystogram were used to try and f ind the underlying cause of the recurrent infections. Despite the testing, no definitive cause was found.