Urinalysis Rarely Seen

  • Urinalysis Overview

    • Rarely seen in clinical settings.

  • Epithelial Cells

    • Normal Appearance: A few are normal; increased numbers indicate inflammation.
    • Types:
    • Squamous: From distal urethra/vagina; not significant; largest with straight edges.
    • Transitional: From bladder/ureters; round/pear-shaped; indicate cystitis if increased.
    • Renal: Smallest; from renal tubules; often confused with WBCs; increased indicates kidney issues.

  • Casts

    • Formed in kidney tubules; classified by appearance.
    • Types:
    • Hyaline: Clear; increase with fever/anesthesia.
    • Granular: Most common; seen in acute nephritis.
    • Epithelial: From renal tubules; indicate acute nephritis.
    • Leukocyte: Contain WBCs; indicate inflammation.
    • Erythrocyte: Indicate renal bleeding.
    • Waxy/Fatty: Seen in renal disease or diabetes.

  • Crystals

    • Types:
    • Uric Acid: Diamond-shaped; not common in dogs/cats.
    • Amorphous Crystalline: Seen in alkaline urine; can indicate issues based on type.
    • Ammonium Biurate: Associated with severe liver disease.
    • Others (like Cystine, Tyrosine): Indicative of liver disease or renal dysfunction.

  • Microorganisms

    • Types:
    • Bacteria: Reported as few/moderate/many; indicative of infection.
    • Yeasts/Fungi: Rare but serious if present.
    • Parasite Ova: Contaminants such as Pearsonema plica or Dioctophyme renale.

  • Miscellaneous Components

    • Mucus Threads: Resemble twisted ribbons; may indicate irritation.
    • Fat Droplets: Indicate underlying conditions; seen in certain diseases.
    • Urolithiasis: Stones that can cause blockages; need analysis for treatment.