Understanding Urine analysis

Correct sample collection is also of extreme importance, a clean container must be used as any contamination, and even soap or detergent will alter test results. It is also best, if first urine of the morning can be collected, and a midstream sample if possible, to reduce the chance of bacterial contamination.

Wiping the animal first with a clean tissue will also help in this regard. It can not be stressed enough that the sample should be tested when the urine is fresh, any sample left longer than 20 minutes should be refrigerated and tested within a few hours. 

There is a tendency to consider a dipstick analysis as a complete urine analysis. Unfortunately in doing so, very important parts of a urine analysis are missed out on, namely specific gravity and sediment examination. While a dipstick test is available for specific gravity, accuracy is not always as good as required, and sediment examination provides essential information on red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, casts, crystals and other cells in the urine.

There again, while specific gravity provides a good indication of the ability of the greyhound to retain water. Any specific gravity test, if looked at in isolation without considering the hydration of the dog, forced fluid intake such as extra water added to the meal, the addition of alkalizing diuretics to the diet, or the effects of a recent run, may provide a misleading result.

Urine Ph 
Urine Ph in dogs may vary each day, as the kidneys maintain and adjust electrolyte and acid-base balances in relation to dietary intake, or exercise. Therefore, no specific urine Ph is abnormal, except as it relates to other findings from urine analysis, and to the acid-base and electrolyte balance as a whole.

Urine Ph 7.0 and lower indicates acidic/neutral
Urine in this range is acidic or neutral. If a dog in good health is fed only one main meal each day vs 2-3 times per day, they generally have a Ph in this range. Ideally, 6.2-6.5 is preferred as an indicator of optimum acidity.

If the urine is markedly acidic (lower than 6.0) a systemic problem may exist and further investigations should be undertaken.

Urine Ph 7.0 and higher indicates alkalinity
Alkaline urine may be caused by diets containing high carbohydrates or high percentages of grains. It may also be caused by the addition of excessive amounts of alkalizing medications to the diet.

Consistent alkaline urine may also be caused by a urinary tract infection. Some of the types of bacteria that cause urinary tract and kidney infections produce an enzyme that breaks down to ammonia and turns the urine alkaline.

Consistent alkaline urine in dogs may also cause the formation of a type of kidney stone (crystals); these may also be caused by the indiscriminate use of sulphonamide antibiotics.

Another reason for persistent alkaline urine may be the inability of the kidneys to re-absorb bicarbonate.

Any consistently alkaline urine should be investigated, including a urinary sediment examination. 

Specific Gravity 
Specific gravity 1.045
A specific gravity of this level and higher in dogs with slight dehydration indicates normal kidney function.

Specific gravity 1.045----1.030
In dogs with no medical problems and with normal hydration, BUN, and serum Creatinine, this range is considered normal. However, in dogs with dehydration and or a high BUN reading, this may indicate a slight loss of urine concentrating ability.

Specific gravity 1.029----1.013
Urine specific gravity in this range may be normal in dogs, when no need to concentrate urine exists. However in greyhounds with dehydration, further tests to check kidney function may be indicated, as in that case only slight ability to concentrate urine exists.

Specific gravity 1.012----1.008
No urine concentration has occurred in urine with this specific gravity, there again that may be normal in dogs with no need to retain water. However, if dehydration exists, values in this range are definitely abnormal and a blood chemistry profile is indicated.

Specific gravity 1.008
Specific gravity at this range and lower may still be normal if the dog has a need to excrete extra water, but are abnormal if any dehydration exists and would indicate the need for a blood chemistry profile, as well as a complete urine test, including sediment examination.

If these are normal, an Anti Diuretic Hormone response test should be carried out.

Protein
Protein in the urine is usually tested for by dipstick analysis, however this test does not provide for an accurate quantity of protein in the urine, nor are dipsticks capable of detecting some proteins in the urine associated with plasma cell damage.

Protein urine dipstick tests are qualitative and are recorded as a trace to 4+.

To accurately interpret the significance of protein in the urine, the urine specific gravity must be known. Simply because a small amount of protein may read as negative in urine with a specific gravity of 1.010 but positive in urine concentrated to 1.045.

A small amount of protein in the urine is normal, provided that the specific gravity is in the normal range for the state of the dog being tested, however any amount of protein in the urine at a specific gravity of less than 1.030 may be abnormal.

Blood in the urine can provide a false positive reading for protein in the urine, because proteins are present in blood in large quantities, compared with the amount of protein in normal urine.

There are a number of diseases that cause increased quantities of protein in the urine including kidney disease; therefore any significant increase in protein in the urine should be investigated. 

Ketones
Any reading of ketones in the urine is abnormal, false positive reactions are uncommon but could occur in highly concentrated and pigmented urine.

Causes of a positive reading may include impaired liver function, persistent fever, and chronic diseases involving blood glucose levels. 

Glucose
Normal urine does not contain glucose; therefore any glucose reading is abnormal.

The most common cause of glucose in the urine is an elevated blood sugar to a level that exceeds the ability of the body to re-absorb the glucose, however this is extremely rare if not unheard of in greyhounds. 

Bilirubin
Some bilirubin in the urine of dogs is normal, however the amount of bilirubin should be compared with the urine specific gravity. A trace to 1+ of bilirubin in urine with a specific gravity above 1.035 is normal, any increase above this level is abnormal, and may indicate some degree of liver damage. 

Urobilinogen
Far too many problems exist in the measurement of urobilinogen using a dipstick test, and a false negative or a false positive result is common, and is therefore not recommended. 

Blood
A positive test to blood in the urine may indicate the presence of hemoglobin, myoglobin, or intact red blood cells. Any positive blood urine test warrants further investigation. 

Urine colour
Urine is normally yellow to amber in color, and depth of color will depend on urine volume.

However, dark urine does not necessarily indicate that the kidneys are concentrating the urine in a fluid saving effort.

Red Colored Urine
The discoloration of the urine will depend on the type of pigment causing the discoloration and the urine Ph.

Hemoglobinin acid urine colors the urine a smoky brown while in alkaline urine the color is red.

If a urine sample is to be checked for Red Blood Cells it should be done as soon as possible after the sample has been collected, as RBC’s start to breakdown within minutes, releasing HEMOGLOBIN into the urine. (HEMOGLOBINURIA)

The presence of blood in the urine may indicate a variety of diseases ranging from kidney- nephritis, cysts or trauma to infections in the bladder, urethra, prostate, or genital area. While HAEMOGLOBIN only in the urine may indicate a blood disease, bacterial infection, red blood cell parasites, or even some type of chemical poisoning.

Brown Red Urine 
Myoglobin in the urine (Myoglobinuria) is characterized by brownish red urine.

Myoglobin is released from the muscle tissue following excessive exertion (RHABDOMYOLYSIS) or trauma such as torn muscle fibers.

The presence of Myoglobin in the urine indicates the need for a thorough muscle check, and a blood test for muscle enzymes to rule out muscle disease.

Myoglobin in the urine may also adversely affect the kidneys (toxicity) and the greyhound should receive intense fluid therapy.

Blood, Hemoglobin and Myoglobin will all give a positive result to occult blood with a dipstick test.

WHY FEED GRAIN-FREE?
View our selection of grain-free pet foods....
Recommended reading
18 page pdf regarding the Biological Food Concept and Dietary Needs of Domestic Dogs & Cats

Note: Quality Natural Canned food formulas: A Healthy Treat or a Healthy Meal!

Water is an extremely important nutrient with respect to a pet’s overall health since it makes up 60-75% of a pet’s total body weight. Packed with the same whole food nutrition as our dry food formulas, our Canned Formulas are a delicious way to increase your pet’s moisture intake. Especially important for cats or dogs prone to urinary/bladder infections, kidney stones or struvite crystals.

As a special treat or as part of your regular feeding, canned foods are yet another delicious way for your pet to eat a healthy meal.  Our natural, quality canned foods are available in many delicious flavors for all life stages and dietary needs. Many grain-free formulas also available!

Dogs and cats did not evolve to eat grains... so why include grains in pet food?

Grains first appeared in pet foods about 70 years ago when consumers wanted the convenience of pet food in a bag and manufacturers wanted to reduce costs with inexpensive calories from grains. Although grains such as rice or wheat provide low-cost calories, their high carbohydrate content contributes to obesity, diabetes, kidney stones/struvite crystals, behaviour problems, allergies, skin/coat problems and a host of other health problems in cats and dogs.

Cats and dogs are simply not evolved to eat processed cereal grains, which is why grain-free, reduced-carbohydrate diets based on human-grade meat, vegetables and fruits most closely matches the diet nature intended for your dog or cat.

Indeed, veterinarians are increasingly citing grains and carbohydrates as primary causes of health problems common to dogs and cats. In addition, as we all sadly know, the majority of pet food recalls over the past 10 years have been due to contaminated grain products: glutens, corn, wheat & rice.

And although it overlooks the most fundamental purpose of pet food (to provide nourishment) the “grain-and-carbohydrate” approach to pet nutrition is still widely practiced due to the lower cost, ready availability and long shelf life that grains provide. Unfortunately, dogs and cats suffer as a result of this. We believe that you should spend your money on your pet, not your vet.

What is ash?  Should I be concerned about the ash content in pet food?
First of all, ash is the inorganic mineral portion of any substance.  When referring to dog and cat food, "ash content" is the mineral matter, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and copper.  The ash analysis does not reveal the percentage of each mineral, therefore it does not tell much about the food.It also does not tell much about the food's contribution to urinary tract infections, such as Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS).  The latest findings show that urinary tract trouble occurs when the urine becomes too alkaline.  So, some commercial foods now add extra acid or reduce magnesium.  There are side effects from use of these acid formulations or from insufficient magnesium, and all they do is cover up the problem instead of curing it.

If ash isn't the problem, then what is?  How do I prevent urinary tract problems?
There is much proof that feeding an obligate carnivore primarily a grain-based dry diet can contribute more to a urinary stone problem than any other single factor.  The long-term dehydration that occurs causes concentrated urine and places considerable strain on the kidneys. Feeding poor-quality food to pets (including those containing corn as a protein instead of meat) results in toxicity and an excessive elimination load on the lining of the urinary system.
By contrast, a diet of meat, bones, and organs contains a mineral content - or ash content - that is not synthetic or artificial.  When a whole food substance is ingested, the animal has a very slim chance of developing a mineral imbalance.  Taking in nutrients as they occur in their natural state or as a whole food source will prevent the animal from concentrating minerals or vitamins, thus causing health issues.

Important information regarding Urinary–Bladder Infections/Struvite Crystals/Kidney Stones in Dogs & Cats in relation to Grains, Carbohydrates and Magnesium levels in pet Food 
Scroll to bottom of page to view holistic remedies to treat
Kidney Stones, Struvite Crystals and Urinary issues

• Foods made with grains (corn/wheat/rice etc) can cause alkaline urine in dogs and cats.
• Magnesium reacts with alkaline urine to cause crystals.
• Most “Prescription/dissolution/preventative” clinic diets take out the magnesium to prevent this reaction, even though magnesium is essential, especially for the nervous system.
• Reducing magnesium may cause a host of other negative health issues.

 It is far more important and beneficial to prevent alkaline urine by feeding a high protein/grain-free/low carbohydrate diet in order to minimize the risk of crystals.

• Grain- based foods may also lead to kidney failure, which often cannot be detected until there is over 75% damage done.
• Protein from muscle meat creates an optimal acid urine -Magnesium does not react in acid urine, thereby significantly reducing the risk of crystal formation.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that "prescription/low magnesium" diets are the solution, nor are they healthy. High protein/low carbohydrate/grain free foods are the optimum diet for dogs and cats with or without crystals, for both prevention of, and recovery from, crystals.

 Urinary PH levels are optimized by avoiding grains, therefore preventing the risk of alkaline/magnesium reactions.
Grain-free/low carb diets also support healthy kidney function, amongst the many other health benefits of feeding a high protein diet to your pet.

 Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections 

The most common cause of Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections is stress, or bacteria as a result of many possible causes like contamination from diarrhea, unclean litter box, or dust/particles from cat litter. Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections are rarely food related and can be easily treated with prescribed antibiotics, homeopathics, and natural herbal antibiotics.  (although not common, an undersized badder/urinary tract system, or deformity may also be the cause).

NOTE: Hydrangea-a flower essence, helps to naturally dissolve stones. A safe, natural alternative treatment, to be used in conjunction with a grain-free diet for pets. Available at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium-where your pet's health is our priority!

 Pets with a compromised immune system as a result of poor diet, over-immunization, exposure to harmful chemicals/preservatives in commercial foods, excessive environmental stress (more common in outdoor pets), or a history of disease, may be more prone to  suffering chronic infections as a result of their weakened immune system.

 Kidney stones may also cause urinary infections –another possible side affect resulting from a grain-based/lower protein/high carb diet.
 

Health Meter Cat Litter can detect the presence of: ·         Bladder Infection ·         Urinary Tract Stones or Crystals ·         Kidney problems ·         Liver Disease ·        Our Early Detection System (EDS) will detect: Hemoglobin (Blood) May indicates blood in the urine and may be indicative of urinary tract stones/crystals or infection ·        Bilirubin May indicate possible liver disease ·        PH Indicates a pH greater than 7 which may be indicative of bladder stones/crystals or infection Health Meter Cat Litter's Early Detection System works without the addition of chemicals and is NON-TOXIC and BIODEGRADABLE.

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL Try it for only $9.99 *NON TOXIC   *UNSCENTED  *ECO FRIENDLY   *BIODEGRADABLE   *NATURAL INGREDIENTS : The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared the same ingredients that are contained in Health Meter Cat Litter as safe for use with food products. Health Meter Cat Litter works by absorbing liquids quickly and amplifying the natural colors (normally microscopic) present in blood and bilirubin. This allows you to see abnormal color changes present in the urine in some diseases states. This process is similar to the way the pixels on your television concentrate to make a visible picture. Through the continued use of Health Meter Cat Litter, it will be possible to monitor the health trends of your cat and provide an early detection of potential health problems. Cats are notoriously good at hiding illness. Health Meter's Early Detection System (EDS) will change color days or even weeks before you cat shows more obvious signs of illness. Health Meter does this by changing color when it detects anomalies in the urine of your cat. Normally the urine of a healthy cat will be a yellow to dark yellow color (PH 7.0). If you are seeing colors other than yellow to dark yellow (such as dark orange/red or blues or greens) then it is recommended that you do a urinary PH test strip to determine the alkaline/acid PH of your cat’s urine (PH test strips are available at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium-see staff for details). IMPORTANT NOTE: Diet plays an important role in urinary health. Foods containing fillers and grains, especially corn & wheat products, will increase your cat’s urinary PH level, possibly leading to struvite crystals or kidney stones. See our staff to learn more about how your cat will benefit from a Grain-Free, Meat-based diet.

Did you know...dogs and cats, especially those who suffer from allergies, gastro sensitivity, urinary illness, hotspots, ear infections, paw biting, skin itching, or hairballs, should never be fed food containing corn & wheat! Be an informed pet owner, read and understand the ingredients in pet food before you make a decision on what to feed your pet. Their health depends on you.

  HOW TO RATE YOUR PET FOOD      THE TRUTH ABOUT PET FOOD

What to feed when you can't feed raw:  WE RECOMMEND FEEDING:

N-R-G (Nutrition Research Group) is a different company making unique pet foods. Through our research and dedication to wholesome nutrition for your pet, we bring you a refreshing concept; an All Life Stage balanced blend of whole ingredients, with the nutrients preserved by our unique dehydration process. Canadian Human-Grade Ingredients: Farm fresh, cooked: range fed, hormone-free beef, buffalo or chicken. Cooked: naked oats, grade A eggs and turkey liver.   Natural source lactobacillus.   Fresh raw: carrots, broccoli crowns, grapefruit, cranberries and papaya.   Goats milk yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, parsley flowerets, ground flax seed and kelp powder.

Our meats, fruits and vegetables are all purchased fresh. Fresh chicken and beef are purchased in the Okanagan Valley B.C. and fresh buffalo is purchased from Alberta; all selected to meet our exacting standards. Our oats are grown for us on the Canadian prairies. All ingredients are 100% TABLE-QUALITY. N-R-G does NOT add any vitamin or mineral premix, as the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and enzymes are not destroyed by dehydrating the ingredients. No chemicals or preservatives are added. N-R-G has developed a diet that provides optimum, balanced nutrition with only whole ingredients, preserved by the ancient method of dehydration. Our unique method of combining and mixing our ingredients naturally ensures your pet gets all the best Mother Nature has to offer. Fresh meats and eggs supply muscle building protein, raw fresh vegetables ensure an abundance of phyto nutrients. A blend of naked oats (grown especially for N-R-G on the Canadian Prairie) and flax seed provides your pet with the optimum balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids and soluble and insoluble fiber. Just what are table-quality ingredients? They are the same quality of food you buy for the rest of your family. If we wouldn't put it on our table we won't put it in our Canine Blend. N-R-G can also be used as a palatability enhancer for dog kibble.

Copyright © 2003-2007 Creature Comfort Canada. All Rights Reserved.
Easy-Reach Raised Pet Bowls, Wall-Mount Raised Feeders , Canine Comfort, & Pawsitively Purrfect are exclusive
products & trade marks of Creature Comfort Canada. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.