Urine Sediment Guide

Question 1

Bilirubin (BIL)

Answer 1

• Common in dogs even under normal conditions

- Significant in cats

Question 2

Ketones (KET)

Answer 2

• Produced by breakdown of lipids

- Causes include prolonged fasting, starvation, low carb diets and diabetic ketoacidosis

Question 3

Protein (PRO)

Answer 3

• Proteinuria may indicate renal and non renal disease

- If significant, urine protein:creatinine ratio should be performed

Question 4

Leukocytes (LEU)

Answer 4

• Detects enzyme leukocyte esterase
• Do not use to test in cats
• High number of false negative in dogs so should be confirmed with microscopy

Question 5

Specific Gravity (SG)

Answer 5

• Should be measured with a refractometer

- Measures density of water relative to density of urine

Question 6

Blood/Haemoglobin (BLD/HGB)

Answer 6

• Detects heme groups found within haemoglobin

- Can show positive if hematuria, haemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria

Question 7

Urobilinogen (UBG)

Answer 7

• Intestinal bacteria convert conjugated bilirubin to urobilinogen
• There is little correlation between this and liver disease

Question 8

Glucose (GLU)

Answer 8

• Must exceed the renal threshold for reabsorption to be detected in dogs and cats
• Common in diabetic patients, occasionally with stress
• Should be evaluated in light of clinical parameters and blood glucose

Question 9

Nitrite (NIT)

Answer 9

• Not valid for vet use due to false positives/negatives

Question 10

pH

Answer 10

• Urine pH is determined by the kidneys ability to regulate hydrogen ion and bicarbonate concentrations within the blood.
• Urine pH may reflect the acid base status if hydration status and overall plasma electrolyte balance are not markedly disturbed