The complete Urinalysis is a 3 part evaluation:

1.- PHYSICAL: The veterinarian assesses the urine concentration and document the color, clarity and gravity.
2.- CHEMICAL: The veterinarian measures the PH and presence of chemical substances, like glucose and ketones that are not normally present.
3.- DIGITAL MICROSCOPIC: The veterinarian identifies and determines the concentration of any microscopic particles in your pet’s urine, examples of the particles are: casts, crystals, blood cells, bacteria, etc.

Urinalysis reveals abnormalities in "healthy" patients. Results of a large, prospective study of dogs and cats across all age groups strongly support including a complete urinalysis as part of the minimum diagnostic database, 1 in 3 pets (dogs and cats) had 1 or more an 1 in 10 had 2 or more of the following abnormalities:
Hematuria 15%
Blood 11%
Proteinuria 6%
Pyruia 11%
Bacteriuria 6%
Glucosuria 3%

When do you need to run a complete urinalysis?
1. Investigating clinically ill patients
- Kidney Disease, Polyuria/polydipsia
- Lower urinary tract disease
- Vomiting/ diarrhea

2. Monitoring ongoing health plans:
- Kidney disease
- Lower urinary tract disease or urinary tract infection
- Urolithiasis
- Liver