When we think of medical testing, we usually think of blood tests. But there is another fluid that offers an incredible window into your pet’s health—one that is often overlooked.
A Urinalysis (urine test) is one of the most cost-effective and informative tests we can run. It gives us immediate answers about the kidneys, the bladder, sugar levels, and hydration.
Here is why we might ask for a sample, and how we go about getting it.
What is a Urinalysis?
It isn’t just looking at the color. A complete urinalysis involves three distinct steps to build a full picture of health:
1. Physical Examination (The Look)
We check the color and clarity.
Cloudy urine can indicate infection or crystals.
Red/Brown urine suggests old or fresh blood.
Clear urine might mean the kidneys aren’t concentrating waste properly.
2. Chemical Examination (The Dipstick)
We use a specialized test strip that changes color when it touches the urine. This tests for:
pH: How acidic is the urine? (Important for preventing stones).
Glucose: High sugar levels are a primary indicator of Diabetes.
Ketones: A sign of starvation or diabetic crisis.
Protein: Can indicate kidney damage or infection.
3. Sediment Examination (The Microscope)
We spin the urine in a centrifuge to separate the heavy particles. We then look at the “sludge” (sediment) under a microscope.
This is where we hunt for:
Crystals: The microscopic “sand” that can turn into bladder stones.
Bacteria: The cause of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Cells: White blood cells (pus) or Red blood cells.
How Do We Collect the Sample?
This is the part owners worry about most! There are two main ways we collect urine, depending on what we are looking for.
1. “Free Catch” (The Cup Method)
This is exactly what it sounds like. We (or you) catch a sample in a sterile container while the dog is urinating naturally.
Best for: Routine wellness checks or checking for sugar (Diabetes).
The downside: It is not sterile. Bacteria from the skin or floor can get into the sample, making it hard to diagnose an infection accurately.
2. Cystocentesis (The Sterile Collection)
If we suspect a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), we need a purely sterile sample directly from the bladder. To do this, we use a fine needle to draw urine directly through the abdominal wall.
Does it hurt? Surprisingly, most pets tolerate this better than a blood test! The bladder wall has very few nerve endings. It is quick, safe, and provides the “gold standard” sample for culture testing.
When Do We Recommend It?
Excessive Drinking/Peeing: If your dog is asking to go out at night, or your cat is flooding the litter box, we check for Diabetes and Kidney disease.
House Soiling: If a trained pet starts having accidents inside, it is rarely “bad behavior”—it is usually a medical urge they can’t control.
Straining to Urinate: If your pet is squatting frequently but only producing a few drops (or crying out), this is an emergency. They may have a blockage or cystitis.
Senior Checks: We check urine specific gravity (concentration) to detect early kidney failure long before it shows up on blood work.
