Development of standard consensus definitions for infectious urinary tract disease in dogs and cats, a modified Delphi study

OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus-based definitions for infectious urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified Delphi approach was used to develop consensus on standard terminology and definitions. RESULTS: Four rounds of review were performed with two different expert and stakeholder audiences. The four rounds of review involved 19, 16, 90 and 52 participants, respectively. Consensus was reached for a collection of 29 terms and associated definitions, and one set of cut-off values. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Standardisation of terminology is a foundational component of clinical communication, surveillance and guideline development. Unclear or variable definitions have commonly been present in studies of urinary tract disease in dogs and cats, causing confusion and hampering evidence assessment. Development of a set of standardised terms and definitions based on broad stakeholder consensus should assist with diagnosis, communication, surveillance and clinical research, improving the evidence base pertaining to infectious urinary tract disease and fostering improved clinical guidance.