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Urinary Tract Mycosis (Fungal Infection of the Lower Urinary Tract Caused by Various Types of Fungi) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Urinary tract mycosis in dogs is an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. of the lower urinary tract caused by various types of fungi. This condition can lead to inflammatory conditions and other health complications if not detected and treated promptly.

The most important facts at a glance

Urinary tract mycoses in dogs are fungal infections caused by the penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. of fungi such as Candida into the urinary tract. These fungi are normally harmless inhabitants of the skin and mucous membranes but can become pathogenic in the presence of a weakened immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. Infections often occur in the bladder and urethra. A weakened immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., caused by diseases such as diabetes or long-term antibiotic therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., can increase the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Common symptoms include frequent urination, Pain during urination, and blood in the urine. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made through clinical examinations and laboratory analysis of the urine to detect fungi. A urine culture helps to identify the fungal species and determine its sensitivity to antifungals. Treatment includes the administration of antifungals such as fluconazole and the treatment of underlying conditions. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is good with early treatment, but severe infections can cause permanent damage. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. includes strengthening the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. through a balanced diet, limited use of antibiotics, and regular veterinary check-ups. Good hygiene and adequate hydration are also important to reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Causes

Mycoses are fungal infections caused by the penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. of fungi into the body. In dogs, various types of fungi can infect the urinary tract, with the most common pathogens being Candida species. These fungi are normally harmless inhabitants of the skin and mucous membranes but can become pathogenic in the presence of a weakened immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. or changes in the body’s environment.

The urinary tract consists of several components, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A fungal infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can occur in any of these areas but is most common in the lower urinary tract – i.e., the bladder and urethra. Fungi can enter the urinary tract through the bloodstream or directly through the urethra.

Causes of urinary tract mycosis include a weakened immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., for example, due to diseases such as diabetes or the long-term use of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms. Anatomical abnormalities or injuries to the urinary tract can also increase the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Very Severely Reduced Urine Output (Anuria)

Dogs with urinary tract mycosis may show a variety of symptoms, often similar to those of a bacterial Urinary tract infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. The most common symptoms include increased Urinary urgency, Pain during urination, and blood in the urine. Affected dogs may also show signs of general discomfort, such as Fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

In some cases, there may be excessive grooming of the genital area as the dog tries to relieve the Itching or discomfort. In more severe infections, kidney function may be impaired, which can manifest as increased thirst and increased urination.

Diagnosis

DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of urinary tract mycosis is usually made through a combination of medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., clinical examination, and laboratory tests. A urinalysis is crucial to detect fungi and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The urine is examined microscopically to identify fungal spores or hyphae.

In addition, a urine culture can be performed, in which the urine is incubated on a special culture medium to promote the growth of fungi. This method not only allows the identification of the fungal species but also the determination of its sensitivity to antifungals.

In some cases, imaging diagnostics such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. can be used to identify structural abnormalities in the urinary tract that could increase the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. A blood testA blood test is a laboratory procedure in which blood is drawn and analyzed to obtain information about the body's health. It can include various parameters such as blood sugar, blood count, liver and kidney values. can also be helpful to assess the dog’s general health and rule out other systemic diseases.

Therapy

Treatment of urinary tract mycosis in dogs typically requires the use of antifungals specifically effective against the identified fungal species. The choice of appropriate medication depends on the type of fungus and its sensitivity, which is determined by urine culture.

Commonly used antifungals include fluconazole and itraconazole, which are administered orally. Treatment can last several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and the dog’s response to therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..

In addition to medication, it is important to address underlying factors that may have contributed to the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., such as managing diabetes or discontinuing excessive antibiotic therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.. Regular check-ups and urinalysis are crucial to monitor treatment success and prevent relapses.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for dogs with urinary tract mycosis depends on several factors, including the speed of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., the severity of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., and the response to treatment. With early detection and appropriate therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is generally good, and most dogs recover completely.

However, severe or long-lasting infections, especially those affecting the kidneys, can lead to permanent damage. In such cases, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is more guarded, and long-term medical monitoring may be required to maintain the dog’s health.

Prevention

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of urinary tract mycoses in dogs involves minimizing risk factors and promoting a healthy immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. A balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups can help strengthen the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and detect health problems early.

It is important to limit the use of antibiotics to what is necessary to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the body. In dogs with chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. diseases that increase the risk of fungal infections, close monitoring and regular medical care should be provided.

Maintaining good hygiene, especially in the dog’s genital area, can also help reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Owners should ensure that their dog drinks enough to flush the urinary tract regularly and prevent the accumulation of microorganisms.