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My dog has UTI symptoms, negative culture. Should I see a specialist?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Smooth Fox Terrier | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 9 days old | 26 lbs

My dog (7 months old in tact male) keeps showing signs of a UTI. The culture came back negative but his symptoms subside with antibiotics. My vet wants to do an US and rectal exam. I’m thinking that an Internist is the right choice at this point. Would you agree? I’d like to get this taken care of once & for all and stop putting him in antibiotics. He’s been in them 3 times already. Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I agree that he requires a further work up. It is not common for male dogs to develop urinary tract infections given their anatomy. I would recommend that he has bloodwork and x-rays of his abdomen. You need to rule out any metabolic disorder and uroliths (bladder stones or kidney stones). Then I would proceed with the abdominal ultrasound. Occasionally prostate disease can cause recurrent urinary signs. This is uncommon in such a young dog though. It may be easiest to pursue a consult with an internal medicine specialist. I hope you are able to get an answer and his problems resolved. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 5th, 2018

    To give you an opinion about it you should try to describe the signs your dog is having. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation) infection and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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