Morris 10CA-022 Abstract

Studying the Effect of Cranberry Extract on Canine Urinary Tract Infections

Dr. Natasha J. Olby, North Carolina State University, D10CA-022
Total Study Cost: $126,130  

Thirty-eight percent of dogs develop a urinary tract infection between the first and sixth week after a spinal cord injury due to a disc herniation. Cranberries, in the form of extract or juice, are used widely in humans to reduce the incidence of urinary infections. Phytochemicals in cranberries reduce the ability of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, to adhere to the wall of the bladder, thus decreasing the chance of developing an infection. Researchers will determine whether this safe and inexpensive treatment can reduce the number of infections that dogs develop as they recover from a spinal cord injury. The results of this study could improve the quality of care in dogs with spinal cord injuries.