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. SCARF contributed $3000.
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.
Publication: Olby NJ et al. 2017. Effect of Cranberry Extract on the Frequency of Bacteriuria in Dogs with Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Vet Intern Med 31:60-68.