Have you noticed your dog asking to go the bathroom more often, urinating more frequently outside, or even blood in your urine? It is time to test their urine!
Have you noticed your dog leaking/dribbling urine? It is time to test their urine!
Have you noticed your cat sitting in the litter box for extended periods of time or frequently urinating? It is time to test their urine!
Have you noticed your cat hiding or acting lethargic? Is he/she going outside the litter box? It is time to test their urine!
By answering yes to the above questions you are acknowledging that your pet may be suffering from a urinary issue, it is time to have a check-up and test a urine sample to rule out any health issues!
Urinalysis (UA) results can alert us to issues with kidney function, diabetes, infections, and bladder stones. Catching any of these conditions in their infancy helps create a better outcome for your pet!
Knowing your pet’s habits and keeping tabs on their urinary habits may not be glamorous but can save your pet from great discomfort. Be sure to always keep tabs on five key factors: color, clarity, quantity, frequency, and odor. If any of these seem to have changed it is time for a checkup.
What your Veterinarian is looking for on a urinalysis?
Crystals
Some may be normal but several types, if left untreated, can indicate the formation of bladder stones. Treatment may include antibiotics or dietary changes.
White Blood Cells or Red Blood Cells
Tell us that there is an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. In many cases, pets do not show any obvious signs of a problem until it has been ongoing for a long time.
Glucose
Indicates that the body is incapable of regulating properly and can be a sign of Diabetes.
Protein
Typically a sign of kidneys not functioning properly. May also be indicative of a diet too high in protein.
Bacteria
In most cases, bacteria represent the presence of an infection. It could also mean, in the absence of other cells, that the sample provided was contaminated, either during the catch or it may have been collected too long before testing and allowed to get too warm and grow bacteria.
When it is time to test: If any of the below symptoms appear in your pet, call to schedule an appointment!
Dogs – Catching the first urine of the day will often yield the most accurate results.
- Frequent urinating/asking to go out often
- Accidents
- Leaking/dribbling
- Blood in urine
Cats – Can be tricky to catch urine, try replacing litter in the box with some uncooked pasta (yes we said pasta) to collect urine easily at home.
- Going outside the box
- Frequently urinating/trying to go
- Hiding/lethargic
- Leaking/dribbling
We have many tips and tricks on catching urine from your pet, call to find out options that may work best for your pet and your lifestyle!
Call us today to get further details on collecting and testing a sample and set your pet up to get their FREE UA on April 16, 2019!
Call us at 215-721-6989 or email us at frontdesk@telfordvet.com
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