Puppy UTI

I am getting a puppy from an experienced reputable breeder in 2 weeks. apparently he had been straining to pee so she took him to the vet and he had a pretty bad UTI. How common is this in puppies? Should I be worried about future issues or a life full of UTIs? Is there any kind of testing I could have them do to rule problems down the road out?   Thanks so much!

Hello   It's really good to hear that the puppy has been to the vet and that the breeder bothered to tell you about it, instead of making up some excuse.  This is one of the things I would look for in a breeder.   I would go one step further and ask for a printed copy of the clinical notes.  This proves beyond doubt what went on and why, and what future prognosis was given at that time. Here is Blog written by Sarah Cooper on the subject:    https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2022/05/06/why-is-my-puppy-peeing-so-much/

Having also consulted a 2018 article by Emi Barker, I think the main thing to try and establish would be whether a urine infection has been proven (using a culture), or simply assumed.  A lot of illnesses resembling urine infections in puppies may turn out not to be;  Dr. Barker lists trauma, foreign body, kidney disease, bladder stones, incontinence, behavioural anxiety, systemic diseases and vulvovaginitis amongst other possibilities.  Many of these may lead to continuing problems, so a reliable diagnosis in the first place is very important when trying to figure out whether or not there is likely to be a lifelong problem.

Finally, I have reread your note and seen it suggested that your pup is a male.  Male dogs are more difficult to infect with an incidental UTI than females.  For this reason, despite my first answer, I would certainly advise having your own vet look over this pup and the clinical notes prior to purchase.

It may be that they propose further tests of their own.