Two Antibiotics That Are Not Ideal for UTIs

Amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate were no help

A study in the January 2020 Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine retrospectively evaluated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urine culture and susceptibility results for cats and dogs in the Midwest to look for trends. Of the 143 cats included in the study, none of the bacteria grown in their urine cultures were susceptible to amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate.

What does this mean for owners and veterinarians? These two antibiotics are likely not the best choice for treating UTIs in cats. There may be regional differences, however, as this study only used cats from the midwestern United States. In addition, with other antibiotic options available, other antibiotics may be started while waiting for urine culture and susceptibility results.

KuKanich K, Lubbers B, Salgado B. Amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance in urinary Escherichia coli antibiograms of cats and dogs from the midwestern United States. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34:227–231.