Evaluation of the effect of cephalexin and enrofloxacin on clinical laboratory measurements of urine glucose in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of cephalexin and enrofloxacin on results of 4 commercially available urine glucose tests in dogs.

ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult female dogs.

PROCEDURE: In a crossover design, cephalexin (22 and 44 mg/kg [10 and 20 mg/lb], p.o., q 8 h) or enrofloxacin (5 and 10 mg/kg [2.3 and 4.5 mg/lb], p.o., q 12 h) was administered to dogs for 1 day. Urine samples were tested for glucose at 0, 6, and 24 hours after drug administration. In vitro, dextrose was added to pooled glucose-negative canine urine samples containing either no antimicrobial or known concentrations of either antimicrobial; urine samples were then tested for glucose.

RESULTS

In vivo, false-positive results were obtained by use of a tablet test in the presence of both antimicrobials and by use of a strip test in the presence of cephalexin. In vitro, false-positive results were obtained with the tablet test at the highest urine concentration of cephalexin (2,400 microg/mL) and with a strip test at the highest concentration of enrofloxacin (600 microg/mL). Enrofloxacin in urine samples containing dextrose caused the urine glucose tests to underestimate urine glucose concentration.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cephalexin and enrofloxacin at dosages used in clinical practice may result in false-positive or false-negative urine glucose results, and care should be taken when using urine as a basis for identifying or monitoring diabetic animals.