Veterinary Microscopy: Urinary Crystals, Cytology, and Parasites

Vocabulary review covering diagnostic identification of urinary crystals, microorganisms, leukocytes, and ectoparasites under microscopic examination.

Struvite

Normally coffin-shaped urinary crystals found in alkaline urine.

Cystine

Flat, think and hexagonal crystals found in acidic urine, associated with renal dysfunction and not found in equine species.

Calcium oxalate

Square crystals with an X found in acidic or neutral urine; associated with antifreeze and not found in equine species, with a genetic disposition in Y.Terrier, M.Poodle, L.Apso, Persian, and Burmese cats.

Uric acid

Crystals that vary in shape but are usually diamond shaped; rarely found in acidic urine.

Ammonium Urate

Crystals with spindles/thorns found in acidic or neutral urine; clinically normal in Dalmatians, associated with liver disease in other breeds, and not found in equine species.