Urinalysis: Crystals Flashcards
What are Struvite Crystals formed by?
magnesium, ammonium phosphate, triple phosphate (MAP)
What are Struvite crystals most common in? (animals, 2)
- dogs
2. cats
What pH range do Struvite Crystals prefer?
neutral - alkaline
How does a UTI affect Struvite Crystals?
urease-positive bacteria can promote struvite crystal formation
What are Bilirubin Crystals? (2)
- Form from conjugated bilirubin (water soluble)
2. Can precipitate into other formed elements in urine
What animals commonly have Bilirubin Crystals?
dogs
What animals are Bilirubin Crystals not normal? (4)
- cats
- horses
- cows
- camels
What animals are Calcium Carbonate crystals a normal find? (4)
- horses
- rabbits
- guinea pigs
- goats
What can Amorphous Crystals cause/lead to?
UTI
What minerals can cause Amorphous Crystals? (4)
- Na
- K
- Mg
- Ca
(salts)
What pH do Amorphous Crystals need to form?
any pH
What does Amorphous Crystals signify? (2)
- no significant clinical interpretation
2. may need to change or modify diet
What pH does Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate Crystals prefer? (2)
- acidic pH
2. neutral-acidic pH
What do Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate Crystals indicate? (3)
- can be normal
- can be an artifact
- can lead to bladder stones
What breed of dog is predisposed to Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate Crystals?
mini schnauzer
What causes Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Crystals?
- antifreeze
2. ethylene glycol
What animals can have Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Crystals?
- hypercalciuria
2. paraneoplastic hypercalcemia with lymphoma
What are Ammonium Urate Crystals also known as?
Thorn-apple crystals
What pH do Ammonium Urate Crystals prefer?
neutral-alkaline pH
When would you see Ammonium Urate Crystals in urine?
young animals with portosystemic shunts
What can Ammonium Urate Crystals cause?
urate bladder stones
What dog breeds are predisposed to Ammonium Urate Crystals?
- Dalmatians
2. bulldogs
Are Cystine Crystals common to see?
not normal to see on a daily basis
What can cause Cystine Crystals? (3)
- an inborn error of metabolism involving defective renal tubular reabsorption of certain amino acids
- Sex-linked inheritance is suspected since male dogs are almost exclusively affected
- defect is without serious consequences
