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The urinalysis in dogs and cats is a simple and very useful diagnostic test for assessing the state of the urinary systemThe aim is to detect metabolic disorders and to support the diagnosis of kidney diseases, urinary tract infections or hormonal problems.
At Benivet Benissa we perform urinalysis as part of preventive check-ups, diagnostic studies or clinical follow-ups, always interpreted by the veterinary team and adapted to the situation of each pet.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
At Benivet Benissawe carry out urinalysis in dogs and cats as an essential part of preventive diagnosis. This test is key to early detection of kidney diseasesurinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus and metabolic disturbances that may go unnoticed in their early stages.
Our veterinary team uses advanced laboratory technology for fast and accurate results. Urine testing is part of our comprehensive urine testing service. veterinary internal medicine and is supplemented, where necessary, by tests such as blood tests o microscopic cytology to confirm diagnoses more reliably.
If your pet has urinary symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, strong odour or discomfort when urinating, it is essential to act quickly. Early diagnosis greatly improves prognosis and quality of life.
See the clinical guidelines on urinary diagnostic and preventive medicine published by the World Veterinary Association (WSAVA) to meet international standards.
Urinalysis is a simple test that provides key information about the urinary and general health of dogs and cats.
A urine analysis combines various measurements: concentration, pH, protein, glucose, blood, cells, crystals and any microorganisms, amongst other parameters.
A result marked as ‘abnormal’ does not in itself confirm the presence of a disease. To interpret it correctly, one must take into account the symptoms, the method of sample collection, the time elapsed until the test was carried out, any medication being taken, and the results of other tests.
Urine specific gravity indicates the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine. Its interpretation depends on the animal’s hydration status, the amount of water it drinks and the presence of other abnormalities.
Diluted urine may occur after drinking more water, as a result of certain medicines, or in conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or endocrine system.
A single measurement is not always sufficient. In some patients, it may be necessary to repeat the measurement and compare it with a blood tests to assess creatinine, urea and other parameters related to kidney function together.
The presence of protein may be due to inflammation, blood, infection or abnormalities in renal filtration. The amount detected must also be interpreted taking into account the concentration of the sample.
When protein is still present in the urine but there is no obvious inflammation, it may be advisable to measure the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio. This test helps to quantify protein loss and to determine whether follow-up tests are required or whether further investigation is needed.
The IRIS guidelines state that the test strip is an initial test and that proteinuria of possible renal origin is usually confirmed and quantified using the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio.
Monitoring can be coordinated from veterinary internal medicine, particularly in cases of kidney problems, high blood pressure or chronic conditions.
The presence of blood may be related to:
Inflammation of the bladder or the urinary tract.
Infections.
Stones or crystals.
Traumatic injuries.
Prostate disorders.
Masses or polyps.
Contamination during collection.
Bleeding from the reproductive system.
Urine does not always appear visibly red. Sometimes, blood can only be detected using a test strip or by examining the sediment under a microscope.
If there is persistent blood in the urine, pain, frequent urination or difficulty passing urine, it may be advisable to undergo an assessment of veterinary urology and a ultrasound scan of the urinary system.
Glucose may appear in the urine when the concentration of glucose in the blood exceeds the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb it. There are also other, less common causes that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If glucose is detected, it may be necessary to carry out a blood test and check whether the pet is showing any of the following symptoms:
Increased thirst.
Increased urine output.
Weight loss.
Changes in appetite.
Weakness or lethargy.
Ketones may be present when the body uses fat as a source of energy. Their presence should be assessed in conjunction with glucose levels, symptoms and the animal’s general condition, particularly in diabetic animals or those that have stopped eating.
The pH indicates whether urine is more acidic or more alkaline. It can vary depending on:
Food.
Collection time.
The time elapsed until the analysis.
Certain infections.
Medication.
Metabolic disorders.
The presence of certain types of crystals.
A high or low pH value alone is not sufficient to diagnose a disease or determine a diet. It must be interpreted in conjunction with the specific gravity, sediment and other results.
Do not change your pet’s diet or use supplements to alter the pH without veterinary advice. An inappropriate change may lead to the formation of other types of crystals or upset the balance of a therapeutic diet.
When diet forms part of the treatment, we coordinate the plan with the veterinary nutrition.
Finding crystals does not necessarily mean that the pet has urinary stones. Some may be present in small quantities without causing any illness, whilst others require further investigation.
The interpretation depends on:
Type and quantity of crystals.
pH and urine concentration.
The patient’s symptoms.
Storage time and temperature of the sample.
Medication and diet.
Presence of blood or inflammation.
A history of urinary stones.
Crystal formation can also occur after the sample has been collected if too much time elapses before it is analysed or if it is stored incorrectly. The type of crystal, the pH, the concentration and the handling of the sample all influence whether crystals form.
If symptoms are present or kidney stones are suspected, a veterinary X-ray or a veterinary ultrasound. Not all stones have the same composition, nor are they observed in the same way by every test.
The presence of bacteria may be consistent with a urinary tract infection, but it may also be due to contamination of a sample collected during urination.
When interpreting it, the following is taken into account:
How the sample was obtained.
Whether there are any white blood cells or inflammatory cells.
The pet’s symptoms.
The presence of blood.
A history of urinary tract infections.
Recent antibiotic treatments.
Where an infection is suspected, a urine culture and sensitivity test may be recommended. The culture makes it possible to check for bacterial growth and to identify which antibiotics may be suitable.
Wherever possible, the sample for culture should be collected before starting the antibiotic, using the procedure specified by the veterinary team. Do not administer any remaining medication from previous courses of treatment, and do not stop an antibiotic course without being told to do so.
Yes. Urine can be collected by:
Collected whilst urinating.
Urine sample.
Cystocentesis, in which a sample is taken directly from the bladder using a needle.
Each method has its own indications, advantages and limitations. A sample taken at home may be useful for many measurements, but there is a greater risk of it containing bacteria, cells or debris from the skin, hair, the floor or the container.
When it is necessary to investigate a possible infection using a culture, it may be recommended that a sterile sample be taken at the clinic. The method of collection forms part of the interpretation of the test results.
Not always. Some diseases are in their early stages, cause intermittent symptoms or require different tests to be detected.
Depending on the symptoms and medical history, a test result that appears normal may be supplemented by:
Urine culture.
Urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio.
Blood pressure measurement.
Follow-up checks.
Urine specific gravity, for example, can vary considerably in a single animal; it should therefore be interpreted in the light of the animal’s hydration status, blood test results and clinical course.
A further sample may be recommended for:
Confirm an unexpected result.
To check whether a change was temporary.
To obtain a fresher or less contaminated sample.
Perform a culture test.
Monitor the response to treatment.
To monitor a kidney or urinary condition.
Compare changes in density, proteins or crystals.
Check the results after making changes to your diet or medication.
Repeating the test does not necessarily mean that the result is serious. In many cases, comparing several samples provides more information than a single measurement.
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog or cat:
He tries to urinate but is unable to pass any urine.
Just a few drops will do.
He goes into the sandpit again and again.
He experiences severe pain when urinating.
There is a lot of blood in his urine.
He is vomiting, seems very listless or has stopped eating.
He has abdominal pain.
It’s getting worse very quickly.
An inability to urinate may indicate a blockage and requires veterinary assessment. Do not press on the abdomen or administer any medication yourself.
You can initially apply for a veterinary practice in Benissa or use the service provided by veterinary urology, as instructed by the team.
Do you need to have a urine test or check some results? Book an appointment at Benivet Benissa or call +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.
The urinalysis helps us to evaluate the urinary system and also to detect metabolic alterations (e.g. changes in concentration, glucose, protein, pH or sediment). Depending on the symptoms and what we find in the examination, we may recommend tests only when they provide useful information:
Veterinary practice in Benissa: thorough examination and initial case orientation.
Blood teststo assess renal function, general condition, inflammation and safety of treatment.
Veterinary ultrasounduseful if we suspect complicated cystitis, stones, kidney disorders or bladder/ureter problems.
Microscopy and cytologyto study cells, inflammation or infection when the case requires it.
If the problem is recurrent or if there is chronic illness, we coordinate the follow-up from veterinary internal medicine.
👉 If you want a rating, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
The results of the urine test are interpreted in conjunction with the symptoms, the method of collection and other tests. Depending on the individual case, further investigations may be recommended.
To assess kidney function (creatinine, urea), glucose levels and general health, together with urine specific gravity.
In cases of persistent blood in the urine, the presence of crystals or suspected stones, to assess the bladder, kidneys and ureters.
An additional test when urinary stones are suspected; not all stones are visible on every test.
Microscopic examination of cells, inflammation or infection in the sediment where clinically indicated.
Specialist assessment in cases of blood in the urine, pain, frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
Monitoring of proteinuria, kidney disorders, high blood pressure or chronic and recurrent conditions.
It is recommended if there is changes in urination (straining, dripping, pain, blood, bad smell), very frequent urination or very few, cloudy urine or very diluted, drinking more water than usual, weight lossapathy or incontinence. It is also indicated in preventive check-upsin senior patientsprior to certain treatments/surgeries and in the tracking of already diagnosed kidney or urinary problems.
Use a clean container (best sterile). Collect fresh urine (ideally the first of the day) avoiding dirt or sand. Try to get 5-10 mlbut if it is less, bring it anyway. If it takes longer than 60-90 min to arrive at the clinic, refrigerate it and bring it back as soon as possible. If your pet is uncooperative or a sterile technique (e.g. for culture) is needed, please contact us to obtain it. in clinic.
Includes urine density (USG), test strip (pH, glucose, proteins, ketones, blood, bilirubin...) and sediment under the microscope (cells, bacteria, crystals, cylinders). With these data we can orientate if there are infection, inflammation, crystals/calculations, proteinuria or signs compatible with kidney disease o endocrine. Where appropriate, a request is made to culture and antibiogram to confirm infection and choose the most appropriate antibiotic.
Sometimes the sediment shows bacteria by contamination of the sampleespecially if it is not sterile. Therefore, when there are compatible signs (dysuria, haematuria, fever, pain) or a dubious sediment, it is recommended to urinary culture to confirm whether it exists active infection and know the antibiotic sensitivity. This helps to avoiding unnecessary treatment or ineffective and reduces relapse.
Not always. A "normal" urinalysis reduces the likelihoodbut does not exclude 100%. Depending on the clinical history, the veterinarian may recommend blood analysis (e.g. urea/creatinine) or other complementary tests. The urine density combined with the biochemistry offers a more comprehensive view of the renal function and helps to decide on the follow-up plan.
Yes. Diuretics, certain antibioticssupplements, diets very saline o urinary therapeutics can change density, pH or sediment. Always report everything it takes your pet (name, dosage and schedule). Do not change or discontinue medication on your ownThe vet will tell you if this is necessary. adjust o wait for to obtain the most representative sample.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
