Icarus
06-02-2004, 01:34 PM
Urinalysis
Specific gravity is a measurement of how concentrated the urine is. Certain diseases such as renal impairment and diabetes insipidus affect a dogs ability to concentrate urine.
Urine protein is usually only seen in trace amounts as the kidney normally does not allow protein to get through. When protein is present it indicates damage to the kidneys.
Glucose should not be seen in the urine. However, when blood sugar levels become very high as with diabetes mellitus, it exceeds the kidney's capacity to keep sugar out and glucose is seen in the urine.
Urine sediment can be examined for solid material such as cells, bacteria, crystals and casts. Red blood cells in the urine indicate inflammation, certain tumors or blood clotting disorders. White blood cells and bacteria are seen in infection. Crystals may be normal or may indicate infection, liver disease, toxin ingestion or bladder stones.
Specific gravity is a measurement of how concentrated the urine is. Certain diseases such as renal impairment and diabetes insipidus affect a dogs ability to concentrate urine.
Urine protein is usually only seen in trace amounts as the kidney normally does not allow protein to get through. When protein is present it indicates damage to the kidneys.
Glucose should not be seen in the urine. However, when blood sugar levels become very high as with diabetes mellitus, it exceeds the kidney's capacity to keep sugar out and glucose is seen in the urine.
Urine sediment can be examined for solid material such as cells, bacteria, crystals and casts. Red blood cells in the urine indicate inflammation, certain tumors or blood clotting disorders. White blood cells and bacteria are seen in infection. Crystals may be normal or may indicate infection, liver disease, toxin ingestion or bladder stones.