Although uncommon, most fungal UTI in dogs and cats are caused by Candida spp. Finding Candida organisms in the urine may indicate sample contamination; however, finding Candida organisms in 2 serial urine samples collected by cystocentesis is consistent with infection and warrants culture and definitive identification. Treatment 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 the treatment of candidal cystitis. The dosage in cats is 50 mg/cat, PO, sid-bid, and in dogs is 2.5–5.0 mg/kg/day, PO, divided bid. The duration of treatment needed to eliminate infection is unknown but may be as short as 7 days.

Last full review/revision March 2012 by Patricia M. Dowling, DVM,MSc, DACVIM, DACVCP