Sooty - Enterococcus Q ??

[Perry and Sooty]

(X-posted from LL)

Vet called while we were out, she left us a voicemail w/ the C&S results from Sooty's incident last weekend. She said that the culture grew Enterococcus - and she wants to put him on 30 days course of Amoxi. But she did not say which kind of Enterococcus (Faecium or Faecalis). The thing is, Enterococcus Faecium is an ingredient in FortiFlora - which we have used and still do use when Sooty was/is reluctant to eat!

Botom line is: is this a problem? - if it's in the urinary tract - and therefore, does he really need ABs?

Are there any other Qs I need to ask the Vet (other than which form of E-coccus this is)?

 

[BJM]

I guess another question is whether the bacterium normally inhabits the urinary tract.

And there are more than 2 kinds ...

 

[Jess & Earl]

The urinary tract should be bacteria-free. Where the urinary tract meets the outside world there can be a small amount of contamination but bacteria is usually flushed out by urination and the urinary tract itself is designed to be inhospitable to bacteria. Cats with very dilute urine can have more issues with infections than others.

I assume this was taken by cystocentesis and not sucked up off the floor, etc?

 

[Perry and Sooty]

The urinary tract should be bacteria-free. Where the urinary tract meets the outside world there can be a small amount of contamination but bacteria is usually flushed out by urination and the urinary tract itself is designed to be inhospitable to bacteria. Cats with very dilute urine can have more issues with infections than others.

I assume this was taken by cystocentesis and not sucked up off the floor, etc?

Yes that is now my understanding too. Just wasn't sure! And yes, the sample was sterile (was obtained by cystocentesis).