Urinalysis

Physical Exam - Gross Appearance and USG

Color

Yellow - light, medium, dark
Colorless
Red
Amber
Brown
Green

Clarity

Clear
Slightly cloudy/turbid
Cloudy/turbid
Opaque
Flocculent

Odor

Normal
Strong
Sweet/fruity
Foul

Urine Specific Gravity

USG is a measure of the solute concentration in urine. We measure this using a refractometer.

Ensure you are reading the correct scale. USG has no units and the scale ranges from 1.000-1.050. Concentrated urine may read off the chart >1.050.

Isosthenuria - urine concentration equal to glomerular filtrate (1.008-1.012). This may mean the nephron tubules are damaged and are not able to concentrate or dilute the urine. However, animals that are on IV fluids or have consumed large amounts of water may also fall within this range. Further testing is warranted to determine the kidney function of the pet.

Chemical Exam - Urine Dipstick

When handling urine always wear gloves to protect yourself from zoonotic diseases!

There are many different types and manufacturers of urine dipsticks. Be sure to read the instructions for the one you are using before starting the test. These tests are time-sensitive.

Common tests on the dipstick include pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and blood. Leukocyte and urobilinogen pads on the dipstick are considered inaccurate (dogs and cats for the leukocyte) or not diagnostically useful (urobilinogen).

Microscopic Exam - Urine Sediment

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