Case Tidbits Flashcards
Usual range specific gravity for dogs
1.015-1.045
Proteinuria
1+ in dilute urine and 2+ in concentrated. Physiologic proteinuria is associated with exercise and fever. It can also indicate glomerular or tubular disease.
Phosphate Crystals
commonly seen in alkaline urine. Not significant unless there is inflammation present- phosphate calculi.
Usual Range for Feline SG
1.035-1.060
Bacteria
Can become falsely elevated when stored at room temperature. This could in turn cause elevated pH due to overgrowth of urease producing bacteria. pH can also decrease if the bacteria metabolize the glucose.
Increase in WBC
Inflammatory Response
Heme reaction and protein
When the heme reaction is at least 3+, it can cause the protein to be elevated.
High Protein Artifacts
Can be from alkaline urine or flooding the protein reaction pad. Can increase by presence of RBC and WBC and inflammation.
Low Number of Ca Oxalate Crystals
Generally insignificant and usually associated with ingestion of plant containing oxalates. Routinely found in urine of large animals. May be storage artifact.
Hyposthenuria
Less than 1.008 SG. Indicates the kidney can dilute urine. Proximal renal tubule and loop of henle function is retained. tubules unresponsive to ADH.
Isosthenuria
1.008- 1.012. Urine the same concentration as plasma- no concentrating or diluting. Can be a sign of primary renal azotemia.
Ammonium Biurate Crystals
Few is not significant- common in Dalmations and Bulldogs. In other animals, indicative of elevated blood ammonia levels that are often associated with liver disease or portosystemic shunts.
Pyelonephritis Clinical Signs
Pyrexia and tachycardia
Hemolysis artifact
RBC can lyse in hyposthenuric urine.
Triple Phosphate Crystals
Not significant unless there is inflammation.
