How is a urinalysis performed?
There are four steps to a urinalysis. a) assessment of color and turbidity (cloudiness) b) measurement of specific gravity (concentration) c) measurement of pH (acidity) and analysis of the chemical components of the urine. d) microscopic examination of the cells and solid material (called sediment) present in the urine Most of the measurements are made on whole urine, but evaluation of the cells and solid material is performed on a “sedimented sample”. A sedimented sample is prepared by centrifuging the urine, which causes the solid particles (or sediment) to settle to the bottom of the tube. The sediment is then drawn off and examined under the microscope. What do changes in color and turbidity mean? Normal urine is pale yellow to light amber, and is generally clear to slightly cloudy. Urine that is dark yellow suggests the dog is dehydrated, while very pale yellow or clear urine indicates the dog is not concentrating urine well and may have kidney disease or another disease that int
