{"id":146,"date":"2015-12-05T17:05:06","date_gmt":"2015-12-05T21:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=146"},"modified":"2024-04-03T12:21:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T19:21:50","slug":"whats-in-a-sample-the-importance-of-the-pet-urinalysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/whats-in-a-sample-the-importance-of-the-pet-urinalysis\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s in a Sample? The Importance of the Pet Urinalysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Medical<\/span>Urine isn\u2019t very exciting to most people, but to your veterinarian it is fascinating. How much can you really learn from a urine sample? Keep reading to find out why your veterinarian thinks that the pet urinalysis is tops.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Nitty Gritty of the Pet Urinalysis<\/b><\/h3>\n

We may recommend checking a urine sample on your pet because he or she is sick or displaying symptoms of a problem. Checking a urinalysis can also be an important part of <\/span>wellness care<\/span><\/a> and screening for any pets. <\/span><\/p>\n

Not all urine samples are created equal, however. You may be wondering just how we obtain a urine sample from our pet patients. Sometimes it is easier than other times, however there are three main ways we get urine samples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Free catch<\/b> \u2013 A free catch sample is one that is naturally voided. You might be instructed to catch one at home by placing a clean container under your pet\u2019s stream or using a special non-absorbent litter in a clean box. Obviously this type of sample is most subject to contamination by the outside world and lower part of the urinary tract.<\/span><\/p>\n

Catheterization<\/b> \u2013 Occasionally we will collect a sample by passing a sterile urinary catheter into your pet\u2019s bladder. This is not always easy to accomplish, particularly in female pets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cystocentesis<\/b> \u2013 Many times we are able to place a small needle directly into your pet\u2019s urinary bladder to obtain a sample. This is considered the best way to get a sterile sample and is quick and simple to perform.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sooner a urine sample is able to analyzed, the more accurate the results. If you are catching one at home, be sure to refrigerate the sample in an air-tight container until you can bring it in. <\/span><\/p>\n

A Wealth of Information<\/b><\/h3>\n

So, it\u2019s just pee, right? Actually, we can learn a lot from a pet urinalysis. There are three main parts to a urinalysis, including the overall assessment, the chemical analysis, and the sediment. <\/span><\/p>\n

During the overall assessment, we look at the sample for its color, turbidity, and concentration (also called specific gravity). Normal urine should be mostly clear and yellowish. Increased cloudiness can indicate infection, while a red or brown color may suggest blood. The concentration of the urine can tell us about how the kidneys are functioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

The chemical analysis portion of the pet urinalysis uses a small dipstick with several test pads to evaluate the urine for different characteristics. Common things tested include:<\/span><\/p>\n