Corynebacterium urealyticum urinary tract infection in a cat with urethral obstruction

Corynebacterium urealyticum is an uncommon cause of urinary tract infections in cats. However, it is difficult to diagnose and if left untreated it may result in irreversible bladder lesions. C. urealyticum is a multiantibiotic-resistant bacterium whose culture requires special care. Risk factors for the occurrence of this infection include urological procedures, foreign bodies, bladder mucosa abnormalities, immuno-suppressed states and antibiotic treatment. This report describes an unusual case of C. urealyticum urinary infection in a young cat with preexisting urethral obstruction. C. urealyticum was isolated in pure cultures from two urine samples. Clinical and ultrasound features, results of the urinalysis and urine culture are described as well as therapeutic treatment and eventual favourable outcome to treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.