Description: Urine is collected from an animal and analyzed for various components. Some of these analyzed components include pH and specific gravity (a measurement of the concentration of the urine produced by the kidneys). The urine is also evaluated for the presence of blood, protein, abnormal cells, bacteria, casts, and crystals.
Diagnostic Value: Moderate to high, especially when used in combination with routine blood tests such as the blood (serum) chemistry profile.
Risk to Patient: Any risk associated with performing a urinalysis is related to the collection of the urine. For many patients, a sample taken during the normal urination process is sufficient. If the animal will not allow a sample to be collected during normal urination, or if a urine culture is necessary, the urine may need to be collected with a sterile needle inserted directly into the bladder. This procedure, known as cystocentesis, carries only a small risk if performed by an experienced professional.
Relative Cost: Low/Moderate.
Normal Ranges and Interpretation of Results:
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per hpf (high power field) |
Interpretation |
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< 5.5 = Acidosis, protein breakdown, some drugs > 7.5 = Some urinary infections, alkalosis, some drugs, after a meal, and some special diets |
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> +1 = Bleeding, infection, and some kidney diseases |
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> 10 PHF = Trauma, inflammation, cancer, bleeding problem |
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1.008-1.012 1.013-1.040 |
Hyposthenuria = dilute urine Isosthenuria = same concentration as blood Hypersthenuria = concentrated urine |
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If bacteria are found, the dog may have a urinary tract infection |
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The presence of casts may indicate problems with the kidney |
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The presence of crystals may indicate a tendency to form stones in the urinary bladder |