While some serum chemistries help
evaluate kidney function (BUN, Creatinine, etc.), they are more informative
whtn a urinalysis is done at the same time. The urine sample is tested for
several chemical components (glucose, protein, blood and more) as well as
any cells (WBC, RBC, epithelial, etc.) or crystals
A Urinalysis is performed using
a dipstick evaluation and, a microscopic evaluation of urine sediments and
any unusual findings on analysis are referred to a pathologist for evaluation
.
To ensure accurate results stored
samples must be kept refrigerated to best preserve the physical and chemical
properties of the sample and to prevent distortion of any sediment. Refrigeration
also controls bacterial overgrowth.
While long delays in processing
can lead to artifactual changes, refrigerated samples processed within 24
hours of collection will provide valid results.
Urine Qualities Colour - Normal color
is yellow to amber. Red is caused by Blood, Dark yellow to brown with yellow
form are caused by bilirubin, reddish brown is caused by hemoglobin / myoglobin.
Transparency - Normal is clear. Cloudy urine is caused by crystals,
cells, blood, mucous, bacteria or cast.
Gravity - 1.007 ~ 1.029 occurs with diabetes mellitus, insipidus,
overactive adrenals, excessive thirst and pyometra. Over 1.040 occurs with
high fever, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, vomiting, diarhea and severe
homorrhage.
PH Levels - It should be 6.2~6.5, little on the acidic side.
It takes between a teaspoon and
a tablespoon of urine to run a good urinalysis. Sometimes, knowing that
only a small amount of urine is necessary makes the task of collecting it
seem more reasonable. Also, the urine should be collected in a clean container
or gathered off a clean surface but it doesn't need to be a sterile surface
for a routine urinalysis. For best results the urine should be less than
2 to 4 hours old or else refrigerated after collection and tested within
24 hours. The fresher the sample is the better but results are usually reliable
within these time frames.
Some inventive ways for
collecting urine that have
worked for female dogs:
1) slide a saucer under the dog as she squats to urinate. There
is almost always enough retained by a saucer to do a urinalysis and this
works for dogs that get very low to the ground.
2) tape a small disposable paper cup to something that will work
as a handle to allow the sample to be collected without reaching under the
dog with a hand. A dowel rod, ruler or yardstick will all do fine for most
dogs. This helps with dogs who quit urinating if they think you are going
to touch or grab them. It might take a couple of tries to get a sample this
way, so start early in the morning, or even the night before the exam.
3) Get a sample container from your vet or find a clean small bottle
or even a zip lock bag and just reach under your dog when she is urinating,
if she is tolerant of this action, and collect the urine. Hand washing will
be required with this technique but it is often effective.
Your vet can obtain a urine sample by cystocentesis, which is the process
of withdrawing urine directly from the bladder. If you anticipate using
this technique it is best not to let her urinate for a couple of hours prior
to the visit and to try to avoid any temptation to urinate on the way into
the vet's office. It doesn't take long to get a sample if there is urine
in the bladder. Samples taken in this manner can be used for culture (to
check for bacteria in the urinary tract) and are usually better for determining
if there is blood in the urine when it is in the bladder since it doesn't
pass through the urethra and vagina prior to being collected.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation
of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
