The majority (70% to 80%) of canine urine cultures yield no growth. In patients with suspected urinary tract disease, avoiding reference laboratory C&S submission for negative samples allows client resources to be directed to additional diagnostics and treatments. In-house urine culture is an inexpensive screening tool for bacteriuria, which promotes antimicrobial stewardship, responsible use of client resources, and access to veterinary care. Positive in-house culture plates may still be accurately submitted for C&S once growth is confirmed.
Grady et al. (Fri,) studied this question.