Although uncommon, most fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats are due to Candida spp.
The simple presence of Candida organisms in the urine may indicate sample contamination. However, the presence of Candida organisms in two serial urine samples collected by cystocentesis is consistent with UTI and warrants culture and definitive identification.
Treatment of fungal UTIs includes eliminating potential predisposing factors (eg, excessive endogenous or exogenous corticosteroids, urinary catheters) and administering antifungal drugs with or without urinary alkalinization. Fluconazole is the antifungal drug of choice for treatment of candidal cystitis. The duration of treatment needed to eliminate infection is unknown; it may be as little as 7 days.
