What information does a urine analysis provide in dogs and cats?

A urine analysis in dogs and cats provides information on the functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract and can help detect infections, inflammation, crystals, blood, protein, glucose and other abnormalities. It is also a useful test for investigating symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, difficulty urinating or changes in the appearance of the urine. Urine can provide information that does not always appear in a blood test. For this reason, both tests are often complementary, particularly when kidney, urinary, metabolic or endocrine disorders are suspected. At Benivet Benissa, the Veterinary urine analysis in dogs and cats It is interpreted in conjunction with the symptoms, the physical examination and, where necessary, other tests to determine the cause of the condition.

What is analysed in a urine sample?

A urine test enables various characteristics of the sample to be examined. Among the most important are:

• Colour and appearance of urine.
• Urine concentration or density.
• pH.
• Presence of proteins.
• Glucose.
• Blood.
• Ketones.
• Bilirubin in certain cases.
• Inflammatory cells.
• Red blood cells.
• Bacteria.
• Crystals.
• Cells originating from the urinary tract.

Not all of these findings necessarily indicate a disease. The result must be interpreted taking into account how the sample was obtained, how long ago it was collected, and the animal’s clinical condition.

What information does it provide about the kidneys?

One of the functions of the kidneys is to concentrate urine and regulate the body’s balance of water and other substances. Measuring urine specific gravity helps to determine whether the kidneys are concentrating urine properly. This information is particularly important when a dog or cat is drinking and urinating more than usual, is dehydrated, or has abnormal kidney values in their blood. When kidney disease is suspected, the urine analysis is usually interpreted alongside veterinary blood tests. This combination provides a more comprehensive picture of kidney function than either test alone.

Can it detect a urinary tract infection?

A urine test may reveal signs consistent with an infection, such as the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, blood or inflammation. However, the presence of bacteria in a sample does not always, on its own, confirm a urinary tract infection. Where a bacterial infection is suspected, it may be advisable to carry out a urine culture with sensitivity testing. This test makes it possible to check whether there is actually bacterial growth and to identify which antibiotics may be suitable. To ensure a reliable culture, the vet may prefer to take the sample directly from the bladder using a technique known as cystocentesis, as this reduces the risk of contamination from the skin or the genital tract.

What does it mean if there are crystals in your urine?

Crystals are microscopic structures that may appear in urine. Their presence does not automatically mean that the dog or cat has urinary stones, but it can provide information about the conditions under which the urine is forming. The type of crystal, the quantity, the urinary pH and the animal’s symptoms help to interpret their significance. Some crystals may also appear if the sample is allowed to cool or is stored for too long before being analysed. Where urinary symptoms are present or stones are suspected, the investigation may be supplemented with a Veterinary ultrasound scan of the bladder and kidneys or with X-rays, depending on the suspected problem.

What does it mean if there is blood in your urine?

The presence of blood may be linked to inflammation, infection, crystals, stones, trauma, prostate disorders, kidney disease or other urinary tract problems. Sometimes the blood is visible to the naked eye and the urine takes on a pink or reddish tinge. In other cases, it is only detected during a laboratory test. If your dog has visible blood in its urine, especially if it is straining, in pain or passing only a small amount, it is advisable to have it assessed by the veterinary urology to pinpoint the source of the problem.

What does it mean if there is protein in your urine?

A small amount of protein may appear temporarily, but when the loss is persistent, it may be linked to urinary inflammation or certain kidney diseases. If proteinuria is detected, the vet may recommend repeating the test and carrying out more specific tests to quantify the amount of protein excreted and determine whether it originates from the kidney or other parts of the urinary tract. The result should always be interpreted in conjunction with the urine sediment, urine specific gravity, blood pressure and blood tests where indicated.

Can glucose in the urine be a sign of diabetes?

Yes. Glucose may be present in the urine when the concentration of sugar in the blood exceeds the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb it, and this is one of the findings that may be observed in animals with diabetes mellitus. However, a diagnosis of diabetes should not be made on the basis of a urine test strip alone. This finding must be considered in conjunction with blood glucose levels, symptoms and other tests. A dog or cat that drinks a lot of water, urinates more frequently, loses weight or shows significant changes in appetite may need an assessment of veterinary internal medicine to investigate kidney, endocrine or metabolic disorders.

When is a urine test usually recommended?

Your vet may recommend this test when signs such as the following appear:

• Passing urine frequently and in small amounts.
• Difficulty or pain when passing urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Urine that smells or looks different.
• Increased thirst.
• Increased urine output.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Cats urinating outside the litter tray.
• Suspected urinary stones.
• Kidney abnormalities detected in a blood test.
• Monitoring a kidney or urinary tract condition.
• Suspected diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

It can also be included as part of routine check-ups, particularly for older animals or those with chronic conditions.

How do you collect a urine sample?

The sample can be obtained in various ways, depending on the information required. In some cases, it can be collected whilst the animal is urinating, into a clean container. In others, the vet may obtain it by catheterisation or directly from the bladder. The cystocentesis It involves inserting a fine needle through the abdominal wall into the bladder to obtain a sample. It can be carried out with the aid of an ultrasound scan and is often particularly useful when contamination needs to be minimised, for example when performing a bacterial culture. The method of collection affects the interpretation of the results. It is therefore important to inform the laboratory or the vet of how the sample was obtained.

Can I bring a urine sample from home?

In some cases, yes. If the clinic tells you to collect the sample at home, use a clean container and take care not to contaminate it with soil, sand, cleaning products or dirty surfaces. The urine should be analysed as soon as possible because, over time, changes may occur in the cells, bacteria, pH or crystals. If you cannot take it in straight away, check with the clinic on how to store it correctly. Do not collect a sample too far in advance without checking first, especially if the aim is to carry out a urine culture.

Does a normal urine test rule out a disease?

No. A normal result provides important information, but it does not rule out all urinary or kidney problems. Some conditions are intermittent, are in their early stages, or require specific tests. If symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, increased thirst or changes in urination frequency persist, the vet may recommend repeating the test or supplementing it with blood tests, a culture, an ultrasound scan, an X-ray or other tests.

When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa

Ask for a check-up if your dog or cat is urinating more frequently, straining, has blood in their urine, experiences accidental leakage, is drinking more water than usual, or shows any persistent changes in their urination habits. At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether a urine analysis is necessary and which other tests may provide useful information based on the symptoms. The aim is to determine whether there is a urinary, renal, metabolic or other underlying condition and to establish the appropriate course of action. If you’d like to have a urine test carried out on your dog or cat and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary check-up. Benivet Benissa Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa Tel. +34 622 325 271 Email: info@benivetbenissa.com Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9.30 am–6.30 pm · Sat 10.00–13.00