Urinalysis

Urinalysis

A laboratory analysis of urine to assess health or diagnose diseases.

Renal Corpuscle

The structural unit of the kidney that filters blood, comprising Bowman's capsule and glomerulus.

Efferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Afferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood toward the glomerulus.

Distal Convoluted Tubule

A segment of the nephron where further reabsorption of ions occurs.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The first segment of the renal tubule where the majority of reabsorption occurs.

Urinary Bladder

The organ that stores urine before it is excreted from the body.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone released by the posterior pituitary that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Aldosterone

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

Oliguria

Decreased urine production.

Polyuria

Increased urine production.

Anuria

Absence of urine production.

Sample Collection

Methods used to collect urine samples for analysis.

Sediment Analysis

Examination of solid particles in urine after centrifugation.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in urine.

Glucosuria

Presence of glucose in urine, often related to hyperglycemia.

Ketonuria

Presence of ketones in urine, indicating fat metabolism.

Specific Gravity (USG)

A measure of urine density compared to water, indicating hydration status.

Casts

Cylindrical structures formed in the renal tubules, indicative of kidney conditions.

Crystalluria

Presence of crystals in urine, which can indicate various conditions.

Struvite Crystals

Crystals formed in alkaline urine, often associated with urinary infections.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Crystals that can form in acidic to neutral urine, potentially linked to urolithiasis.

Cystine Crystals

Hexagonal crystals associated with cystine urolithiasis and tubular dysfunction.

Leukocyte Casts

Cellular casts that indicate inflammation or infection in the kidneys.

Renal Failure

Impaired kidney function that can affect urine production and composition.

Diorama Immitus

Heartworm that can lead to microfilariae in the urinary sediment.

Kidney Function Tests

Laboratory tests to evaluate kidney health via urine analysis.

Urine Sample Refrigeration

Cooling urine samples to preserve integrity before analysis.

Microorganisms in Urine

Bacteria or yeast that can contaminate urine and affect test results.

Urolithiasis

Formation of urinary stones that can cause obstruction in the urinary tract.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Abnormal levels of electrolytes in urine, often indicating renal dysfunction.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Infection affecting the urinary system, usually characterized by bacteria in urine.

PD/PU (Polydipsia/Polyuria)

Increased thirst and urine output, often indicative of underlying disease.

Catheterization

The process of placing a catheter to collect urine samples or relieve urinary obstruction.

Decreased Specific Gravity (USG)

A lower than normal urine density, often indicating dilute urine, which can occur in conditions like diabetes insipidus or increased fluid intake.

Normal Urine Specific Gravity (USG) Ranges for Dogs and Cats

The typical USG range for dogs is 1.015 to 1.045, and for cats, it is 1.020to 1.050.

Normal pH for Urine in Carnivores

The normal urine pH for carnivores, such as dogs and cats, typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.

Normal pH for Urine in Herbivores

The normal urine pH for herbivores, such as horses and cows, generally ranges from 7.0 to 9.0.

Normal pH for Urine in Omnivores

The normal urine pH for omnivores, including species like pigs and humans, typically ranges from 4.8 to 9.0

Causes of Acidic Urine

include high protein diets, metabolic acidosis, and dehydration. These factors can lead to lower urine pH levels, indicating an increased acidity in the urine. Other causes may include certain medications and systemic conditions.

Causes for alkaline urine

Vegetable based diet, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory alkalosis, and certain medications. These factors can lead to higher urine pH levels, indicating increased alkalinity in the urine. Other causes may include urinary tract infections and kidney disorders. The urine may have been allowed to stand open to air at room temperature.

Protein in the urine

refers to an abnormal presence of proteins in urine, which can indicate kidney disease, infections, or other medical conditions. Normally, urine contains minimal protein, and elevated levels may signal a need for further investigation. Can be present in trace amounts due to catheterization or cystocentesis or bladder expression.

Pathological renal proteinuria

is an abnormal increase of protein in urine due to kidney damage or disease, indicating potential issues such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome.

Glucosuria

is the presence of glucose in urine, often indicating uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or renal glycosuria. This condition occurs when blood glucose levels exceed the renal threshold, leading to glucose spilling into the urine. Hyperglycemia in cats (stress or excitement)

Ketone bodies

acetone, Acetoacetic acid, beta hydroxybutyric acid

Causes of ketonuria

include uncontrolled diabetes, fasting, starvation, and high-fat diets. Ketonuria occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, leading to the production of ketone bodies.

Bilirubinuria

is the presence of bilirubin in urine, often indicating liver disease, hemolysis, or bile duct obstruction. It can result from conditions that cause increased bilirubin production or decreased excretion.

Bile pigment

A yellowish substance produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin; primarily bilirubin, which can be found in urine and is an indicator of liver function. Small amounts are common dogs and cattle. Abnormal in cats, sheep, pigs, and horses.

What is hematuria?

Hematuria is the presence of blood in urine, which can indicate various health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or kidney disease.

Causes of hematuria

Cystitis/Urethritis Urinary tract infection, Urinary tract neoplasia, Renal problems, trauma

Microscopic evaluation of urine

involves examining urine under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, bacteria, and other substances, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.

Erythrocytes In Urine

Small Numbers acceptable. Voided samples: 0/hpf to 8/hpf, Catheterized samples: 0/hpf to 5/hpf, Cystocentesis: 0/hpf to 3/hpf.

Squamous Epithelial Cells in Urine

Squamous epithelial cells are flat cells that can be found in urine; their presence is typically considered normal, often originating from the skin or lining of the urethra. Common in voided/catheter samples. Very. Large- may be folded.

Transitional Epithelial Cells in Urine

Transitional epithelial cells line the bladder and parts of the urinary tract; Vary in size. large central nucleus. Large numbers- infection, inflammation, mechanical abrasion from catheterization, neoplasia (cancer), or chemical irritation.

Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells in Urine

Renal tubular epithelial cells are derived from the kidney tubules; their presence in urine can suggest renal damage or disease, as they normally reside within the kidney. Small, round, with large nucleus.