So, it’s just pee, right? Actually, we can learn a lot from looking at a pet’s urine. You may think that urinalysis is only needed in the case of a suspected urinary tract infection, but a urinalysis can reveal a lot of information about what is going on in a pet’s body. It can give valuable insight into the function of the kidneys, bladder, liver, and many other organs. It can be one of the first hints that there is a problem, or when combined with the other diagnostic tests it can help determine a diagnosis and prognosis.
Urinalysis is a safe, non-invasive simple study of urine which requires only urination on the part of the patient; it creates no discomfort, poses no health- related risks, has no direct side effects, and evinces no adverse responses. Urine analysis when performed properly is highly reliable and we need to include it as an extension of our routine bedside clinical assessment.
Fresh is definitely best when it comes to urine, ideally samples should be analysed within 15-30 minutes. Samples can be refrigerated for up to six hours after collection but bear in mind that you can see changes especially with regards to crystal formation. Depending on what condition is suspected, there may be best time of day for collection, such as timing in relation to meals or first thing in the morning to get the most concentrated sample. In general, it is usually best to collect the sample at the clinic and read it in-house.
Samples can be collected by a number of methods: via catheter, cystocentesis or by catching a mid-stream flow in a clean container. The latter is often easier said than done, especially with small dogs and females who squat low to the ground. Each of these collection methods has its advantages and disadvantages so should be used according to what information you are trying to gather such as whether you need a sterile sample to check for the presence of infection.
There are three main parts to a urinalysis: the overall assessment, the chemical analysis, and the sediment examination.
During the overall assessment, a sample is examined for its colour, odour, turbidity, and concentration via measuring it’s specific gravity. Normal urine should be clear and yellowish. Increased cloudiness can indicate infection, while a red or brown colour may suggest blood. The concentration of the urine can provide some insight into how the kidneys are functioning.
The chemical analysis is most commonly performed in house using a small dipstick with several test pads to evaluate the urine for different characteristics. Common things tested include:
- Urine pH
- Protein; high levels can be abnormal
- Glucose; often seen in diabetic pets
- Ketones; seen in sick, starving, or some diabetic pets
- Bilirubin; sometimes seen in pets with liver or blood disorders
- Blood; can indicate infection, bladder stones, trauma, or blood clotting disorders
The sediment exam is a microscopic examination of the particulate matter in the urine that settles out after it is spun at a high speed in a centrifuge. A stain may be used to help highlight things. During a sediment exam, we might notice:
- Red blood cells; often seen with infection, irritation, or tumours
- White blood cells; can be seen with infection and inflammation
- Bacteria; not normal in a sterile urine sample
- Crystals; mineral deposits in the urine
- Epithelial cells; cells from the lining of the urinary tract
- Parasite eggs or casts from the kidney tubules
Although the urinalysis may be the most straightforward of the diagnostic tests available, there is still a touch of art-form in its interpretations. The results of the urinalysis should always be correlated with other observations, the history of the pet, the signs and symptoms they are demonstrating and other diagnostic tests. In the end, though, performing routine urinalysis is one of the most vital tools available for the diagnostician.
For detailed Urine Analysis Interpretation visit :
http://www.eclinpath.com/urinalysis
https://www.idexxlearningcenter.com/course/view.php?id=2349
Dr Penny Dobson BVSc MACVSc (Canine)
Penny is a graduate of the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and attained membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Canine Medicine 1992 by examination. She was a Member of the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee of the Microresearch Foundation 1991-1992.
Penny has worked as a clinician in small animal practice Sydney Metropolitan area for 30 yrs and is a Veterinary Practice owner with her husband, Paul Hansen of Woollahra Veterinary Hospital.
Penny has been involved in the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) as Secretary Sydney Metropolitan Practitioners Branch for 12 years and recipient of the AVA Meritorious Service Award 2002. She is also an active member of the ASAVA.
Nutrition is a passion for Penny and she is the Hill’s HelpLine Manager with the Veterinary Nutritional Consultancy team with a focus on uroliths, kidney, obesity, immune diseases and their management.
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