Pet Urinalysis Testing
Urinalysis for Your Pet: What It Reveals
Just like with humans, a simple urine test can tell us a great deal about a pet’s health. Urinalysis is a routine, non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides crucial insights into the wellbeing of your dog or cat. By analyzing the physical and chemical properties of your pet’s urine, we can evaluate their kidney and urinary system health and even detect signs of other diseases.
At Nimbus Pet Hospital, we recommend urinalysis as part of your pet’s regular wellness exams, especially for senior pets over the age of eight. This simple test allows us to establish a health baseline and catch potential issues before they become serious. If you notice your pet drinking more water, urinating more frequently, or see blood in their urine, a urinalysis is a critical step in diagnosing the problem.
Why Choose Nimbus Pet Hospital for Urinalysis?
At Nimbus Pet Hospital, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate care. Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform comprehensive urinalysis testing quickly and efficiently, meaning we get accurate results faster.
Our experienced veterinary team takes the time to explain the results, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your pet’s health. We are dedicated to creating a low-stress environment for both you and your pet, whether we’re collecting a sample in our clinic or guiding you on how to collect one at home.
What Can Urinalysis Detect?
A urinalysis is a powerful tool that helps us identify and manage a variety of health conditions. By examining your pet’s urine, we can gather information about:
- Kidney Function: The concentration of your pet’s urine tells us how well their kidneys are working. Diluted urine can sometimes be a sign of kidney disease or other metabolic issues.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): The presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria can indicate an infection or inflammation somewhere in the urinary tract.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Sugar should not be present in a healthy pet’s urine. If glucose is detected, it is often a key sign of diabetes.
- Bladder Stones or Crystals: The test can reveal tiny crystals that may lead to painful bladder stones. Early detection allows us to make dietary or treatment recommendations to prevent them from forming.
- Liver Issues: The presence of bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver, can point to liver disease or the destruction of red blood cells.
- Dehydration: Highly concentrated, dark yellow urine often indicates that your pet is dehydrated and needs more fluids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a urine sample collected from a pet?
There are three common methods. The “free-catch” method involves collecting a mid-stream sample in a sterile container as your pet urinates. This is non-invasive and can be done at home. Other methods, like catheterization or cystocentesis (using a sterile needle to draw urine from the bladder), are performed by our vet team to ensure a non-contaminated sample.
How soon do I need to bring in a sample collected at home?
Urine composition can change quickly. For the most accurate results, a sample collected at home should be brought to our clinic within 30 minutes. Be sure to keep it refrigerated if there’s a delay.
What do different urine colors mean?
Normal urine is typically pale yellow and clear. Dark yellow urine often suggests dehydration, while colors like red or brown can indicate blood or other serious issues. Cloudy urine can be a sign of infection or crystals.
Is urinalysis painful for my pet?
Collecting a free-catch sample is not painful at all. While methods like catheterization or cystocentesis are more invasive, they are generally quick procedures that cause minimal discomfort and provide the most sterile samples for analysis.
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
Urinalysis is a fundamental part of proactive pet care. Whether for a routine check-up or to investigate specific symptoms, Nimbus Pet Hospital is here to provide the diagnostic testing your pet needs.
If you’re in the Tigard, Beaverton or surrounding areas, contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy for years to come.