The role of transmissible ‘venereal tumours in
the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection in
dogs was investigated in 86 dogs. Fifty-five had
transmissible venereal tumours, and the remaining
31 animals were used as controls. A thorough
clinical examination of the external genitalia was
carried out in each case. In the dogs with transmissible
venereal tumours, the sites of attachment
were recorded. Urine samples were taken
by cystocentesis and the external genitalia
swabbed; the samples were cultured for bacteria
using standard methods. Tumours were found on
the prepuce and other parts of the penis in male
dogs; in bitches they were found in the vagina,
vestibule or the vestibulovaginal junction. Dogs
with transmissible venereal tumours were found
to be at a high risk of having bacteriuria (odds
ratio [OR] = 7.04). Obliteration of the urethral orifice
by the tumour, possibly leading to urine
retention, was thought to be the main reason for
the high incidence of urinary tract infection
among dogs with transmissible venereal tumours.
Long-standing cases of transmissible venereal
neoplasia had a higher chance of becoming bacteriuric
compared with recent cases (OR=29.60).
This study indicates that transmissible venereal
tumour may he a predisposing factor for the
development of urinary tract infection