Microscopic UA - microorganisms and crystals

mucus/ mucus threads look like

long, wavy strands

mucus is normal in

horses

mucus in other species is due to

irritation of urethra

sperm is common in

intact males, or recently neutered

fat droplets are seen with

cats, obese or diabetic patients

microorganisms include

bacteria, yeast, fungus

bacteria is due to

infection or contamination during collection

yeast is not

normally seen

yeast is most likely due to

contamination from genitalia

fungus is most likely due to

contamination of sample

fungus could be seen due to but is rare

fungal infection of urinary tract

crystals in urine

crystalluria

crystals form depending on

pH of urine

crystals are made up of

minerals

prevention of crystals

diet to aid in pH and restrict minerals

acidic urine crystals include

uric acid, calcium oxalates

alkaline or basic urine crystals include

triple phosphate, calcium carbonate, ammonium biurate

uric acid crystals are not

common

uric acid crystals look like

yellow, diamond shape

uric acid crystals can be seen in

male dalmations

male dalmations have a genetic condition that results in

urinary blockages

most common crystals

calcium oxalate and triple phosphate

calcium oxalate dihydrate looks like

square, X in center

calcium oxalates cannot be

dissolved, need surgically removed and diet

calcium oxalate monohydrate looks like

oblong, clear

calcium oxalate monohydrate can be seen with

ethylene glycol poisoning due to kidneys shutting down

triple phosphate crystals aka

struvite

triple phosphate looks like

coffin shape

calcium carbonate is normal in

horses and rabbits

calcium carbonate looks

similar to tyrosine, lines radiating, round

ammonium biurate is not

common

ammonium biurate is due to

portosystemic shunt