General urinalysis in dogs and cats. General urine analysis of cats

Unfortunately, our beloved cats, like us humans, are prone to urological diseases. Experienced breeders are familiar with the symptoms and consequences of urolithiasis, often affecting young individuals. But inexperienced “cat lovers” are often interested in how many times a day a cat pees, on what schedule he should go to the toilet, thereby “informing” the owner that everything is in order with his urinary system.

What are normal urination rates

Normally, the daily volume of urine formed in the body of domestic felines should be from 50 to 200 ml. Naturally, these indicators depend on the personality characteristics of the animal: gender, age, weight, feeding system and activity of the animal.

Newborn kittens usually pee once a day. As he grows up, the number of urination increases up to 3 times by 2-3 months, and when he reaches the age of six months, an active fluffy can run to the toilet up to 6 or even 10 times! Growing up, he will begin to drink less, and the urge to pee will occur less and less, and 5 trips for "little need" will be enough.

To understand if everything is normal with a kitten with urination, observe how often he sleeps and drinks, since it is after these procedures that he pisses most often. The coincidence of the indicators will indicate that he has no problems with the release of urine.

If you are interested in how many times a day a cat, already mature and in a healthy state, should write, then there are no strict indicators here either. Do not be surprised if you notice that he visits the toilet 2 times more often than his cat relative. This clear difference is explained physiological reasons: In cats, the urinary canals are narrower and more curved, which inhibits the outflow of urine and makes them walk more often "in a small way." The same specific structure of the urinary system is responsible for the fact that the representatives of the male half of the cat family are more prone to the development of urolithiasis than the female.

How often does an adult cat pee?

Normally, an adult pet can write from 2 to 6 times a day. If he is lazy to such an extent that even drink once again does not rise, it is understandable that the cat pees once a day. More active pets, with whom their owners often play and walk, tend to drink a lot and often, and therefore write.

Cat nutrition plays a big role. If you are feeding him dry food, he should have regular access to fresh, preferably filtered water. Many owners wonder why the cat often pees. Most likely, the fact is that he overeats dry food, drinks a lot at the same time, which provokes frequent urges. However, here it is necessary to look so that blood does not appear in the urine.

It has already been mentioned that cats are more prone to developing urological diseases than cats. In their narrow channels that remove urine, a large number of salt crystals accumulate, from which stones are formed. Some experts say that animals should drink 3 times more water than they eat dry food. So roughly calculate how much liquid your pet needs to receive. If he drinks very little, try additionally soldering him from a syringe without a needle. Close attention should be given to neutered cats, as they are more susceptible to urological diseases.

What are deviations from the norm

It happens that a cat pees once a day, although before that he often visited the toilet. Explanations for this may vary. Psychological reasons are usually associated with the transferred stress due to a change in the previous living conditions (owner, housing, etc.). Depressed and painful condition occurs in cats after castration or sterilization (in cats). Urination functions can be restored in them up to 3 or more days.

It is dangerous if urinary retention occurs for more than 2 days, the animal either does not visit the toilet at all, or urinates in scanty portions. Noticing that the cat is in pain to pee, or traces of blood or sand are visible in the urine, immediately take him to the veterinarian.

You can also ask a question to our site staff veterinarian, who as soon as possible will answer them in the comment box below.

• Catherine 00:51 | 08 Mar. 2019

  Good evening. We have a Persian cat, he is 7 years old. last week very often ran to the toilet, they just changed it, immediately peed and so the whole day. I was beginning to think that he had something with his kidneys. But yesterday I peed and I see blood in his tray. This happened twice. I wanted to watch him. I didn’t go to the toilet anymore (neither write nor poop). A day passed, but the cat did not go to the toilet. At the same time, he is active, eats, jumps, but does not go to the toilet. I'm already starting to worry. Moreover, the last two weeks he ate dry food and drank a lot of water. Now, as I saw the blood, the food was removed. Tell me how to treat it? Thank you in advance

• Marina 00:23 | 03 Mar. 2019

  Hello!
  Kitten Nevsky, 5 months old, 3.1 books. Lives with us for two weeks.
  He goes to the toilet a maximum of 2 times a day, the last three days 1 time each (that's for sure, I'm always at home). Food about the plan and royal, a pack of liquid per day and dry during the day, as well as open chicken fillet. He drinks water, there are 4 cans of water around the apartment.
  The tray (this is how all the cats were accustomed to us and there were never any problems) without filler, I always wash it right away.
  He is the only pet. She goes to the toilet only when I get up in the morning.

• Daria 12:11 | 01 Mar. 2019

  Good afternoon Please tell me, a cat 1.5, was neutered a month ago, used to go to the toilet to pee 1-3 times a day, after the operation it was reduced to 1 time a day, but in volume. I feed Royal food, the cat's behavior is normal, active and playful. I want to know if it is possible that a cat walks once a day, mostly only in the morning, can this lead to a problem? And if you contact the veterinary clinic, what processes should be carried out to determine if the cat has a disease? And what treatment can they offer?
  Thanks for the answer!

• Hello! Scottish cat 4.5 years old. We went on vacation, a friend lived with a cat. They returned and the cat began to write on the Bed to me and my daughter. I noticed a month ago that sometimes she sits in a pot and comes out without doing anything. I started writing once a day. He eats and drinks as usual, plays when he wants, behaves normally. I can’t pass urine, because he pees at 10 o’clock in the evening. I used to write in the morning and in the evening.

• Good afternoon! Tell me please! We have a kitten 9 months old, castrated 5 days ago. Before the castration, they fed Friskes food, liquid and dry, they gave vitamins and minerals Konin, the cat grew up active, cheerful, playful.
  And now, after the castration, they said to feed it with food for castrated cats, I read the reviews, and Friskis turns out to be for castrated cats, not a very good quality, that it causes urolithiasis. Please advise what food to feed the kitten so as not to harm him. Thank you in advance for your answer !

• A Scot, 1.4 years old, for no apparent reason began to urinate anywhere. He rarely goes outside, but asks. We are afraid to let him out. Maybe he feels a cat? What should I do?

• Good afternoon. The Scot, the Cat is 7 months old, went to the big one once a day, the little one 2 times. Now, for almost 3 weeks, I began to walk pomeleocliu once a day, mostly once every 1.5 days. What is it connected with? Is it dangerous? I attributed it to stress, in a month I had to give the cat to friends twice because of my departures. The cat is playful, active, drinks well, the food was nutram for kittens a month ago, now Hills for kittens, he eats both of them well. A month ago, there was still a case that he ate 1.5 m of thin rope and a piece cotton swab, took to the veterinarian, gave injections, poured vaseline oil, duphalac in the evening. Everything eventually came out of it. But the cat had the wildest stress…. what should I do? Been sleeping a lot

• Kitten (British), took almost 2 months old, fed natural (chicken, turkey, quail eggs, baby food , children's cottage cheese, milk up to 4 months was given, boiled beef and veal, boiled fish). Ate 3 times a day, in large portions. Allergic to chicken and turkey. She appeared before her eyes - they began to tear. Closer to 8 months, the kitten stopped getting enough vitamins. He began to fall on his paws. I consulted with the veterinarian, said there was not enough calcium, prescribed vitamins and artroglycan, and also transferred to drying. We decided to switch to industrial feed, that the balance was normal. They fed Real Kanin and ate and drank well - willingly. The chair is regular. The eyes were still running. By the way, the diet included still wet (Real Konin, Hills). After reading the smart thoughts of veterinarians that the ruler should be one, and RK is not particularly popular in terms of composition. I ordered a better quality Sanabelle (Bosch) on the Internet, made in Germany. I had to translate abruptly, ate willingly, stool in a big way, stably every day. The eyes stopped tearing. They gave food only from this company, this company does not have wet food. Sat dry for 2 weeks. As a result, in a small way, he stopped walking. Less access to water. I called the vet and gave injections. She gave me water with kotervin, lingonberries, forcibly I drink water from a syringe. I switched back to a straight woman, in the morning I give moisture in packets. And in naturalka I add more broth. He does not drink water himself. I began to go to the toilet in a small way 1 time per day steadily. I haven't returned to the previous 3-4 schedule yet. What to do? On a natural woman, most of the products make her eyes watery. Now we feed beef, the Kitten (British) was on a natural. Allergic to chicken and turkey. She appeared before her eyes - they began to tear. Closer to 8 months, the kitten stopped getting enough vitamins. We decided to switch to industrial feed, that the balance was normal. They fed Real Kanin and ate and drank well - willingly. The chair is regular. The eyes were still running. By the way, the diet included still wet (Real Konin, Hills). After reading the smart thoughts of veterinarians that the ruler should be one, and RK is not particularly popular in terms of composition. I ordered a better quality Sanabelle (Bosch) on the Internet, made in Germany. I had to translate abruptly, ate willingly, stool in a big way, stably every day. The eyes stopped tearing. They gave food only from this company, this company does not have wet food. Sat dry for 2 weeks. As a result, in a small way, he stopped walking. Less access to water. I called the vet and gave injections. She gave me water with kotervin, lingonberries, forcibly I drink water from a syringe. I switched back to a straight woman, in the morning I give moisture in packets. And in naturalka I add more broth. He does not drink water himself. I began to go to the toilet in a small way 1 time per day steadily. I haven't returned to the previous 3-4 schedule yet. What to do? From natural products, now we give beef (pour boiling water over, small pieces), boil the rabbit (broth with vegetables for the night), cottage cheese children's time a week, wet in the mornings in RK packs for the British or Urinari. Dry I give 2 times a week I dilute with water. We go to the toilet once a day. He does not drink water himself, I sing forcibly. He sleeps a lot, his stomach does not hurt, he allows you to stroke and massage. It plays for about 15 minutes closer to the night, when we go to bed. Advise how to normalize urination in a cat? How to teach him to drink on his own? I’m afraid to transfer completely to drying, since the opinions of the majority differ on drying and urolithiasis develops, I would like to leave natural food in the diet, at least in the evening.

• Good afternoon Literally 3 days ago we got a Sphynx kitten (girl), good appetite, drinking water. I went to the big toilet every day, but never went to the small one, what could be the reasons?

• Hello! The cat is 1.5 years old, Scottish fold, goes to the toilet in a small way 1 time per day. Eats homemade food, water is always worth it. Previously, he drank milk, went 2 times a day, now he does not drink. Cheerful, playful. Is this normal or does it need to be watered down?

• Hello. I took a kitten, 2.5 months old, Kuril Bobtail breed. I read articles and, as I understand it, at this age, the baby should write 5-10 times a day, but she goes to the tray 2 (maximum 3) times a day. He pisses a lot, I don’t even understand how so much urine accumulates in such a baby. Please tell me, is this considered the norm or too little for this age?

• Eugene 08:24 | 11 Sep. 2018

  Hello, my cat is 4 years old, bonfired. My daughter and I were leaving for a month to rest, the cat was with her husband. Royal horse meat is fed dry and we give raw food a little bit at a time. When we arrived, the cat went to the toilet in a small way and sat for about 10 minutes, sometimes meowing. He left, after a while he sat down again, but he had already peed. For two days he pees once a day, but at night. I have posted 2-3 times before. Maybe it's because of emotions (he loves me and my daughter very much)? Eating well, but drinking less. The cat looks healthy and behaves normally. But is this the norm? Submit once.

Each animal is individual, and it is difficult to lead to uniform standards for urination in cats, but there are common features.

It is important to understand how often your pet urinates. Normal frequency urination in cats is considered 2 - 3 times a day. It is quite harmful for animals to write once a day, because in their own way chemical properties cat urine is already very concentrated. When rare urination occurs, this provokes a supersaturation of urine with various salts, which, in turn, can contribute to the development of urolithiasis. For prevention infrequent urination With a cat, you can provide him with constant access to water. It is very important that the cat drinks. Often I hear from owners that the cat eats wet food and does not drink at all. Of course, a cat needs much less water than a dog, and a cat receives most of the daily water intake from food, but this does not mean that she should not drink! Perhaps it is your cat who has the ability to drink moving water, such animals need to either constantly turn on the tap or buy special fountains for drinking. You can't teach a cat to drink on a schedule! There are also cats who like to drink from large bowls, vases or even buckets, sometimes a cat drinks from bowls located on a hill, the main thing is to change the water every day. It is very important to spend a little time and understand exactly how your pet drinks. Please remember that the water must be free of any impurities, it is harmful to drink from flower trays, flower vases, toilets, there is a risk of poisoning.

When urinating in cats, pay attention to the color of urine and its smell. Urine should be straw yellow or yellow color, without any impurities, especially without the admixture of blood or Brown. If your animal is not neutered or spayed, then the smell from the urine is specific, characteristic of this type of animal. If the smell of urine has suddenly changed - it may begin to smell like acetone, ammonia, for example, this should alert you immediately, such urine should be submitted for analysis as soon as possible. A very poor prognostic sign is a change in the color of urine to watery and the complete disappearance of the smell of urine - this may indicate severe renal failure.

Normally, a cat does not stay in the tray for long during the act of urination, there are some cats that do not bury even after themselves and immediately run out, while during the urination itself, the sound of flowing water is necessarily heard. If your cat has started to sit in the tray for a long time or began to go to the toilet often, while you do not hear the sound of flowing water, then this is an urgent reason to visit the veterinarian. Perhaps it clinical manifestations urolithiasis or cystitis. In the same way, a life-threatening pathology can manifest itself - acute urinary retention, which requires immediate help.

In any case, if you see even the slightest change in the habitual act of urination of your pet, it is better to play it safe and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If possible, it is better to come to the appointment immediately with a urine test collected in a special jar.

Sincerely, veterinarian - nephrologist Lemara Yuryevna Voitova

General clinical examination of urine includes a definition physical properties, chemical composition and microscopic examination of the sediment.

physical properties.

QUANTITY.

Fine The daily amount of urine averages 20-50 ml per kg of body weight for dogs and 20-30 mg per kg of body weight for cats.

Increased daily diuresis - polyuria.
Causes:
1. Convergence of edema;
2. Diabetes mellitus (Diabetes maleus) (together with a positive level of glucose in the urine and a high specific gravity of the urine);
3. Glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, pyelonephritis (together with a negative glucose level, high specific gravity of urine and severe proteinuria);
4. Cushing's syndrome, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, tumors, uterine disease (pyometra), hyperthyroidism, liver disease (along with negative glucose levels, high urine specific gravity and negative or mild proteinuria)
5. Chronic renal failure or diuresis after acute renal failure (together with low urine specific gravity and elevated blood urea levels);
6. Diabetes insipidus (together with a low specific gravity of urine, which does not change during a test with fluid deprivation and a normal level of urea in the blood);
7. Psychogenic craving for drinking (along with low specific gravity of urine, which increases during a test with deprivation of fluid and a normal level of urea in the blood)
Often causes polydipsia.

Decreased daily diuresis - oliguria.
Causes:
1. Profuse diarrhea;
2. Vomiting;
3. The growth of edema (regardless of their origin);
4. Too little fluid intake;

Lack of urine or too little urine (lack of urination or urination) - anuria.
Causes:
a) Prerenal anuria (due to extrarenal causes):
1. Severe blood loss (hypovolemia - hypovolemic shock);
2. Acute heart failure (cardiogenic shock);
3. Acute vascular insufficiency (vascular shock);
4. Indomitable vomiting;
5. Severe diarrhea.
b) Renal (secretory) anuria (associated with pathological processes in the kidneys):
1. Acute nephritis;
2. Necronephrosis;
3. Transfusion incompatible blood;
4. Severe chronic kidney disease.
c) Obstructive (excretory) anuria (impossibility of urination):
1. Blockage of the ureters with stones;
2. Compression of the ureters by tumors that develop near the ureters (neoplasms of the uterus, ovaries, bladder, metastases from other organs.

COLOR

Normal urine color is straw yellow.
Color change may be due to the release of coloring compounds formed during organic changes or under the influence of food, drugs or contrast agents.

Red or red-brown color (color of meat slops)
Causes:
1. Macrohematuria;
2. Hemoglobinuria;
3. The presence of myoglobin in the urine;
4. The presence of porphyrin in the urine;
5. The presence in the urine of certain drugs or their metabolites.

Dark yellow color (may be with a greenish or greenish-brown tint, the color of dark beer)
Causes:
1. Isolation of bilirubin in the urine (with parenchymal or obstructive jaundice).

greenish yellow color
Causes:
1. A large amount of pus in the urine.

Dirty brown or grey colour
Causes:
1. Pyuria with alkaline urine.

Very dark, almost black
Causes:
1. Hemoglobinuria in acute hemolytic anemia.

whitish color
Causes:
1. Phosphaturia (presence in urine a large number phosphates).
It should be borne in mind that with prolonged standing urine, its color may change. As a rule, it becomes more saturated. In the case of the formation of urobilin from colorless urobilinogen under the influence of light, urine becomes dark yellow(to orange). In the case of the formation of methemoglobin, the urine acquires a dark brown color. In addition, a change in odor may be associated with the use of certain drugs, feed or feed additives.

TRANSPARENCY

Normal urine is clear.

Cloudy urine can be caused by:
1. The presence of erythrocytes in the urine;
2. The presence of leukocytes in the urine;
3. The presence of epithelial cells in the urine;
4. The presence of bacteria in the urine (bacteruria);
5. The presence of fatty drops in the urine;
6. The presence of mucus in the urine;
7. Precipitation of salts.

In addition, the transparency of urine depends on:
1. Salt concentrations;
2. pH;
3. Storage temperatures ( low temperature contributes to the precipitation of salts);
4. Duration of storage (with prolonged storage, salts fall out).

SMELL

Normally, the urine of dogs and cats has a mild specific odor.

A change in odor can be caused by:
1. Acetonuria (the appearance of the smell of acetone in diabetes mellitus);
2. bacterial infections(ammonia, unpleasant smell);
3. Taking antibiotics or nutritional supplements (a special specific smell).

DENSITY

Normal density of urine in dogs 1.015-1.034 (minimum - 1.001, maximum 1.065), in cats - 1.020-1.040.
Density is a measure of the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine.

What matters is
1. The state of hydration of the animal;
2. Drinking and eating habits;
3. Ambient temperature;
4. Injected drugs;
5. Functional state or the number of renal tubules.

Causes of increased urine density:
1. Glucose in the urine;
2. Protein in the urine (in large quantities);
3. Drugs (or their metabolites) in the urine;
4. Mannitol or dextran in the urine (as a result of intravenous infusion).

Causes of a decrease in the density of urine:
1. Diabetes mellitus;
3. Acute kidney damage.

You can talk about adequate kidney response when, after a short abstinence from drinking water specific gravity urine rises to the average figures of the norm. Inappropriate reaction kidneys are considered if the specific gravity does not rise above the minimum values ​​\u200b\u200bwhen refraining from taking water - isosthenuria (greatly reduced ability to adapt).
Causes:
1. Chronic renal failure.

Chemical research.

pH

Normal urine pH dogs and cats can be either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, depending on the protein content of the diet. On average, the pH of urine ranges from 5-7.5 and is often slightly acidic.

Increasing the pH of urine (pH> 7.5) - alkalization of urine.
Causes:
1. The use of plant foods;
2. Profuse sour vomiting;
3. Hyperkalemia;
4. Resorption of edema;
5. Primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (accompanied by hypercalcemia);
6. Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis;
7. Bacterial cystitis;
8. Introduction of sodium bicarbonate.

Decreased pH of urine (pH about 5 and below) - acidification of urine.
Causes:
1. Metabolic or respiratory acidosis;
2. Hypokalemia;
3. Dehydration;
4. Fever;
5. Fasting;
6. Prolonged muscle load;
7. Diabetes mellitus;
8. Chronic renal failure;
9. Introduction acid salts(for example, ammonium chloride).

PROTEIN

Normal urine protein absent or its concentration is less than 100 mg/l.
Proteinuria- the appearance of protein in the urine.

Physiological proteinuria- cases of temporary appearance of protein in the urine, not associated with diseases.
Causes:
1. Reception of a large amount of feed with a high protein content;
2. Strong physical exercise;
3. Epileptic seizures.

Pathological proteinuria happens renal and extrarenal.

Extrarenal proteinuria may be extrarenal or postrenal.

extrarenal extrarenal protenuria more often there is a temporary mild degree (300 mg / l).
Causes:
1. Heart failure;
2. Diabetes mellitus;
3. Elevated temperature;
4. Anemia;
5. Hypothermia;
6. Allergy;
7. The use of penicillin, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides;
8. Burns;
9. Dehydration;
10. Hemoglobinuria;
11. Myoglobinuria.
Severity of proteinuria is not a reliable indicator of the severity of the underlying disease and its prognosis.

Extrarenal postrenal proteinuria(false proteinuria, accidental proteinuria) rarely exceeds 1 g / l (except in cases of severe pyuria) and is accompanied by the formation of a large sediment.
Causes:
1. Cystitis;
2. Pyelitis;
3. Prostatitis;
4. Urethritis;
5. Vulvovaginitis.
6. Bleeding in the urinary tract.

Renal proteinuria occurs when protein enters the urine in the kidney parenchyma. In most cases, it is associated with increased permeability of the renal filter. At the same time, a high protein content in the urine is found (more than 1 g / l). Microscopic examination of urine sediment reveals casts.
Causes:
1. Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis;
2. Acute and chronic pyelonephritis;
3. Severe chronic heart failure;
4. Amyloidosis of the kidneys;
5. Neoplasms of the kidneys;
6. Hydronephrosis of the kidneys;
7. Lipoid nephrosis;
8. Nephrotic syndrome;
9. Immune diseases with damage to the renal glomeruli by immune complexes;
10. Severe anemia.

Renal microalbuminuria- the presence of protein in the urine at concentrations below the sensitivity of the reagent strips (from 1 to 30 mg / 100 ml). It is an early indicator of various chronic kidney diseases.

Paraproteinuria- the appearance in the urine of a globulin protein that does not have the properties of antibodies (Bence-Jones protein), consisting of light chains of immunoglobulins that easily pass through glomerular filters. Such a protein is released during plasmacytoma. Paraproteinuria develops without primary damage to the renal glomeruli.

tubular proteinuria- the appearance in the urine of small proteins (α1-microglobulin, β2-microglobulin, lysozyme, retinol-binding protein). They are normally present in the glomerular filtrate but are reabsorbed in the renal tubules. When the epithelium of the renal tubules is damaged, these proteins appear in the urine (determined only by electrophoresis). Tubular proteinuria is an early indicator of renal tubular damage in the absence of concomitant changes in circulating urea and creatinine levels.
Causes:
1. Medicines(aminoglycosides, cyclosporine);
2. Heavy metals (lead);
3. Analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances);
4. Ischemia;
5. Metabolic diseases (Fanconi-like syndrome).

False positive indicators of the amount of protein, obtained using a test strip, are characteristic of alkaline urine (pH 8).

False negatives for protein, obtained using the test strips are due to the fact that the test strips show, first of all, the level of albumins (paraproteinuria and tubular proteinuria are not detected) and their content in the urine is above 30 mg / 100 ml (microalbuminuria is not detected).
Assessment of proteinuria should be carried out taking into account clinical symptoms(fluid accumulation, edema) and other laboratory parameters (blood protein level, albumin and globulin ratio, urea, creatinine, lipids in blood serum, cholesterol level).

GLUCOSE

Normally, there is no glucose in the urine.

Glucosuria- the presence of glucose in the urine.

1. Glucosuria with high specific gravity of urine(1.030) and elevated level blood glucose (3.3 - 5 mmol / l) - criterion diabetes(Diadetes mellitus).
It should be borne in mind that in animals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent), the renal glucose threshold (the concentration of glucose in the blood above which glucose begins to enter the urine) can change significantly. Sometimes, with persistent normoglycemia, glucosuria persists (the renal glucose threshold is lowered). And with the development of glomerulosclerosis, the renal glucose threshold increases, and there may be no glucosuria even with severe hyperglycemia.

2.Renal glucosuria- is recorded at the average specific gravity of urine and normal level blood glucose. A marker of tubular dysfunction is deterioration in reabsorption.
Causes:
1. Primary renal glucosuria in some dog breeds (Scottish Terriers, Norwegian Elkhounds, mixed breed dogs);
2. A component of the general dysfunction of the renal tubules - Fanconi-like syndrome (maybe hereditary and acquired; glucose, amino acids, small globulins, phosphate and bicarbonate are excreted in the urine; described in Besenji, Norwegian Elkhounds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Miniature Schnauzers);
3. The use of certain nephrotoxic drugs.
4. Acute renal failure or aminoglycoside toxicity - if the level of urea in the blood is elevated.

3. Glucosuria with reduced specific gravity of urine(1.015 - 1.018) can be with the introduction of glucose.
4. Moderate glucosuria occurs in healthy animals with a significant alimentary load of feeds with a high content of carbohydrates.

False positive result when determining glucose in the urine with test strips, it is possible in cats with cystitis.

False negative result when determining glucose in the urine with test strips, it is possible in dogs in the presence of ascorbic acid (it is synthesized in dogs in various quantities).

BILIRUBIN

Normally, there is no bilirubin in the urine of cats., there may be trace amounts of bilirubin in concentrated dog urine.

Bilirubinuria- the appearance of bilirubin (direct) in the urine.
Causes:
1. Parenchymal jaundice (lesion of the liver parenchyma);
2. Obstructive jaundice (violation of the outflow of bile).

Used as an express method for differential diagnosis hemolytic jaundice- bilirubinuria is not typical for them, since indirect bilirubin does not pass through the renal filter.

UROBILINOGEN

Upper limit of normal urobilinogen in the urine about 10 mg / l.

Urobilinogenuria- increased levels of urobilinogen in the urine.
Causes:
1. Increased hemoglobin catabolism: hemolytic anemia, intravascular hemolysis (transfusion of incompatible blood, infections, sepsis), pernicious anemia, polycythemia, resorption of massive hematomas;
2. Increase in the formation of urobilinogen in the gastrointestinal tract: enterocolitis, ileitis;
3. An increase in the formation and reabsorption of urobilinogen in inflammation of the biliary system - cholangitis;
4. Impaired liver function: chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, toxic liver damage (poisoning with organic compounds, toxins in infectious diseases and sepsis); secondary liver failure (cardiac and circulatory failure, liver tumors);
5. Liver bypass: cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension, thrombosis, obstruction of the renal vein.

Of particular diagnostic importance is:
1. With lesions of the liver parenchyma in cases that occur without jaundice;
2. For the differential diagnosis of parenchymal jaundice from obstructive jaundice, in which there is no urobilinogenuria.

KETONE BODIES

Normally, there are no ketone bodies in the urine.

Ketonuria- the appearance of ketone bodies in the urine (as a result of accelerated incomplete oxidation fatty acids as a source of energy).
Causes:
1. Severe decompensation of type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent) and long-term type II diabetes (insulin-independent) with depletion of pancreatic beta-cells and the development of absolute insulin deficiency.
2. Pronounced - hyperketonemic diabetic coma;
3. Precomatose states;
4. Cerebral coma;
5. Prolonged fasting;
6. Severe fever;
7. Hyperinsulinism;
8. Hypercatecholemia;
9. Postoperative period.

NITRITES

Normally, nitrites are absent in the urine.

The appearance of nitrites in the urine indicates infection of the urinary tract, since many pathogenic bacteria restore the nitrates present in the urine to nitrites.
Of particular diagnostic importance is when determining asymptomatic infections of the urinary tract (in the risk group - animals with prostate neoplasms, patients with diabetes mellitus, after urological operations or instrumental procedures on the urinary tract).

erythrocytes

Normally, there are no erythrocytes in the urine or allowed physiological microhematuria in the study of test strips is up to 3 erythrocytes / μl of urine.

Hematuria- the content of erythrocytes in the urine in an amount of more than 5 in 1 µl of urine.

Gross hematuria- installed with the naked eye.

Microhematuria- only revealed by test strips or microscopy. Often due to cystocentesis or catheterization.

Hematuria originating from the bladder and urethra.
Approximately 75% of cases of gross hematuria, often combined with dysuria and pain on palpation.
Causes:
1. Stones in the bladder and urethra;
2. Infectious or drug-induced (cyclophosphamide) cystitis;
3. Urethritis;
4. Bladder tumors;
5. Injuries of the bladder and urethra (crushing, ruptures).
An admixture of blood only at the beginning of urination indicates bleeding between the neck of the bladder and the opening of the urethra.
The admixture of blood mainly at the end of urination indicates bleeding in the bladder.

Hematuria originating from the kidneys (approximately 25% of cases of hematuria).
Uniform hematuria from beginning to end of urination. Microscopic examination of the sediment in this case reveals erythrocyte cylinders. Such bleeding is relatively rare, associated with proteinuria and less intense than bleeding in the urinary tract.
Causes:
1. Physical overload;
2. infectious diseases(leptospirosis, septicemia);
3. Hemorrhagic diathesis of various etiologies;
4. Coagulopathy (poisoning with dicumarol);
5. Consumption coagulopathy (DIC);
6. Kidney injury;
7. Thrombosis of the vessels of the kidneys;
8. Neoplasms of the kidneys;
9. Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis;
10. Pyelitis, pyelonephritis;
11. Glomerulo- and tubulonephrosis (poisoning, taking medications);
12. Strong venous congestion;
13. Displacement of the spleen;
14. Systemic lupus erythematosus;
15. Overdose of anticoagulants, sulfonamides, urotropine.
16. Idiopathic renal hematuria.
Bleeding, occurring independently of urination, are localized in the urethra, prepuce, vagina, uterus (estrus) or prostate gland.

HEMOGLOBIN, MYOGLOBIN

Normally, when examining with test strips, it is absent.

Causes of myoglobinuria:
1. Muscle damage (the level of creatine kinase in the circulating blood increases).
Hemoglobinuria is always accompanied by hemoglobinemia. If hemolyzed red blood cells are found in the urinary sediment, the cause is hematuria.

Microscopic examination of the sediment.

There are elements of organized and unorganized urine sediments. The main elements of organized sediment are erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelium and cylinders; unorganized - crystalline and amorphous salts.

EPITHELIUM

Fine in the urine sediment, single cells of the squamous (urethra) and transitional epithelium (pelvis, ureters, bladder). The renal epithelium (tubules) is normally absent.

Cells squamous epithelium. Normally, females are found in greater numbers. Detection of layers of squamous epithelium and horny scales in the sediment is a sign of squamous metaplasia of the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.

Transitional epithelial cells.
The reasons for the significant increase in their number:
1. Acute inflammatory processes in the bladder and renal pelvis;
2. Intoxication;
3. Urolithiasis;
4. Neoplasms urinary tract.

Epithelial cells of the urinary tubules (renal epithelium).
The reasons for their appearance:
1. Jades;
2. Intoxication;
3. Insufficiency of blood circulation;
4. Necrotic nephrosis (in case of poisoning with sublimate, antifreeze, dichloroethane) - epithelium in a very large amount;
5. Amyloidosis of the kidneys (rarely in the albuminemic stage, often in the edematous-hypertonic and azotemic stages);
6. Lipoid nephrosis (desquamated renal epithelium is often found to be fat-transformed).
Upon detection of conglomerates epithelial cells, especially moderately or significantly varying in shape and / or size, further cytological examination is necessary to determine the possible malignancy of these cells.

leukocytes

Normally, there are no leukocytes or there may be single leukocytes in the field of view (0-3 leukocytes in the field of view at a magnification of 400).

Leukocyturia- more than 3 leukocytes in the field of view of the microscope at a magnification of 400.
Piuria- more than 60 leukocytes in the field of view of the microscope at a magnification of 400.

Infectious leukocyturia, often pyuria.
Causes:
1. Inflammatory processes in the bladder, urethra, renal pelvis.
2. Infected discharge from the prostate, vagina, uterus.

Aseptic leukocyturia.
Causes:
1. Glomerulonephritis;
2. Amyloidosis;
3. Chronic interstitial nephritis.

erythrocytes

Normally, in the urine sediment there are no or single in the preparation (0-3 in the field of view at a magnification of 400).
The appearance or increase in the number of red blood cells in the urine sediment is called hematuria.
Reasons see above in the section "Urine chemistry".

CYLINDERS

Fine hyaline and granular casts can be found in the urine sediment - single in the preparation - with unchanged urine.
urinary casts not present in alkaline urine. Neither the number nor the type of urinary casts is indicative of the severity of the disease and is not specific for any kidney disease. The absence of casts in the urine sediment does not indicate the absence of kidney disease.

Cylindruria- the presence in the urine of an increased number of cylinders of any type.

Hyaline casts are made up of protein that has entered the urine due to congestion or inflammatory process.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Proteinuria not associated with kidney damage (albuminemia, venous congestion in the kidneys, strenuous exercise, cooling);
2. Feverish conditions;
3. Various organic lesions of the kidneys, both acute and chronic;
4. Dehydration.
There is no correlation between the severity of proteinuria and the number of hyaline casts, since the formation of casts depends on the pH of the urine.

Granular cylinders are made up of tubular epithelial cells.
Reasons for education:
1. The presence of severe degeneration in the epithelium of the tubules (necrosis of the epithelium of the tubules, inflammation of the kidneys).
Waxy cylinders.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Severe lesions of the kidney parenchyma (both acute and chronic).

erythrocyte casts are formed from accumulations of erythrocytes. Their presence in the urine sediment indicates a renal origin of hematuria.
Causes:
1. Inflammatory diseases kidneys;
2. Bleeding into the kidney parenchyma;
3. Kidney infarctions.

Leukocyte casts- are quite rare.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Pyelonephritis.

SALT AND OTHER ELEMENTS


Salt precipitation depends on the properties of urine, in particular, on its pH.

In acidic urine they precipitate:
1. Uric acid
2. Uric acid salts;
3. Calcium phosphate;
4. Calcium sulfate.

In the urine, giving the main (alkaline) reaction precipitate:
1. Amorphous phosphates;
2. Tripelphosphates;
3. Neutral magnesium phosphate;
4. Calcium carbonate;
5. Crystals of sulfonamides.

crystalluria- the appearance of crystals in the urinary sediment.

Uric acid.
Fine uric acid crystals are absent.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Pathologically acidic pH of urine in renal failure (early precipitation - within an hour after urination);
2. Fever;
3. Conditions accompanied by increased tissue breakdown (leukemia, massive decaying tumors, pneumonia in the resolution stage);
4. Heavy physical activity;
5. Uric acid diathesis;
6. Feeding exclusively meat feed.

Amorphous urates- uric acid salts give the urine sediment a brick-pink color.
Fine- single in the field of view.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis;
2. Chronic renal failure;
3. "Congestive kidney";
4. Fever.

Oxalates- salts of oxalic acid, mainly calcium oxalate.
Fine oxalates are single in the field of view.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Pyelonephritis;
2. Diabetes mellitus;
3. Violation of calcium metabolism;
4. After epilepsy attacks;
5. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning.

Tripelphosphates, neutral phosphates, calcium carbonate.
Fine missing.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Cystitis;
2. Abundant intake of plant foods;
3. Vomiting.
May cause the development of stones.

Acidic ammonium urate.
Fine absent.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Cystitis with ammonia fermentation in the bladder;
2. Uric acid kidney infarction in newborns.
3. Insufficiency of the liver, especially with congenital portosystemic shunts;
4. Dalmatian dogs in the absence of pathology.

cystine crystals.
Fine absent.
Reasons for the appearance: cytinosis (congenital disorder of amino acid metabolism).

Crystals of leucine, tyrosine.
Fine missing.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Acute yellow liver atrophy;
2. Leukemia;
3. Phosphorus poisoning.

Cholesterol crystals.
Fine missing.


Reasons for the appearance:
1. Amyloid and lipoid dystrophy of the kidneys;
2. Neoplasms of the kidneys;
3. Kidney abscess.

Fatty acid.
Fine missing.
Reasons for the appearance (they are very rare):
1. Fatty degeneration of the kidneys;
2. Disintegration of the epithelium of the renal tubules.

Hemosiderin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin.
Fine absent.
Reasons for the appearance - hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis of erythrocytes.

Hematoidin- a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin that does not contain iron.
Fine absent.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Calculous (associated with the formation of stones) pyelitis;
2. Kidney abscess;
3. Neoplasms of the bladder and kidneys.

BACTERIA

Bacteria are normally absent or are determined in urine obtained by spontaneous urination or with the help of a catheter, in an amount not exceeding 2x103 bact. / ml of urine.

Of decisive importance is the quantitative content of bacteria in the urine.
 100,000 (1x105) or more microbial bodies per ml of urine - indirect sign inflammation in the urinary organs.
 1000 - 10000 (1x103 - 1x104) microbial bodies per ml of urine - cause suspicion of inflammatory processes in the urinary tract. In females, this amount may be normal.
 less than 1000 microbial bodies per ml of urine is regarded as the result of secondary contamination.

In the urine obtained by cystocentesis, bacteria should normally not be present at all.
In the study of a general analysis of urine, only the fact of bacteriuria is stated. In the native preparation, 1 bacterium in the oil immersion field of view corresponds to 10,000 (1x104) bacteria/ml, but bacteriological examination is necessary to accurately determine the quantitative characteristics.
The presence of a urinary tract infection can be signaled by simultaneously detected bacteriuria, hematuria and pyuria.

YEAST FUNGI

Normally absent.
Reasons for the appearance:
1. Glucosuria;
2. Antibiotic therapy;
3. Long-term storage of urine.

The composition of urine quite fully reflects the metabolic processes occurring in the body of the animal. Conducting a laboratory analysis allows you to identify serious deviations in the state of health, recognize diseases genitourinary system, to determine the presence of infections or injuries.

A general urinalysis with microscopic examination of the sediment is prescribed for many diseases of cats and dogs, being informative and simple enough to perform.

Sometimes collecting animal excretions for research can be difficult: cats often go to litter trays, and dogs are walked outside. In such cases, material sampling can be carried out at the clinic during the appointment. To do this, catheterization of the bladder is used, or urine is taken using cystocentesis (puncture of the bladder with a needle through the abdominal cavity). The latter method is considered the most informative and high-quality way to take material for analysis.

Interpretation of urinalysis results

The results of physical, chemical and microscopic studies summarized in a table. Their decoding makes it possible to compose big picture state of the animal's body. Based on them, data from other tests and examinations, an experienced specialist diagnoses and prescribes treatment.

Physical properties of urine

They are examined by the method of organoleptic analysis. Its essence lies in the assessment of visual characteristics: color, smell, consistency, the presence of visible impurities.

The following indicators are noted:

COL (color)- a yellow and light yellow tint of the liquid is considered normal.

CLA (transparency)- in healthy animals, discharge of complete transparency.

Presence of sediment- may be present in small amounts.
It is formed from insoluble salts, crystals, epithelial cells (kidneys, urethra, bladder, vulva), organic compounds, microorganisms. A large amount of sediment is observed with metabolic disorders, the presence of diseases.

Additionally, there may be an uncharacteristic odor, a change in consistency.

The owner of the animal should pay attention to the nature of urination and appearance secretions. If there is a change in color or smell, the appearance of clots of mucus or pus, blood particles when urinating, it is necessary to show the dog or cat to the veterinarian.

Chemical properties of urine

Investigated using an analyzer. This method analyzes the composition of the separated liquid for the presence and amount of organic and chemical substances.

BIL (bilirubin)- normally in dogs this substance is contained in small undetectable quantities. In cats, this component is not present in the normal composition.

Dogs - absent (traces).

Cats are missing.

An increase in the indicator (bilirubinuria) may indicate liver diseases, obstruction of the bile ducts, and a violation of hemolytic processes.

URO (urea)- formed as a result of the breakdown of proteins.

Dogs - 3.5-9.2 mmol / l.

Cats - 5.4-12.1 mmol / l.

An increase in the indicator is evidence of renal failure, protein nutrition, acute hemolytic anemia.

KET( ketone bodies) - in a healthy body are not allocated.

The presence of ketones is the result of metabolic disorders arising from diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, sometimes as a manifestation of acute pancreatitis or extensive mechanical damage.

PRO (protein)- an increase in the number of protein compounds accompanies most kidney diseases.

Dogs - 0.3 g / l.

Cats - 0.2 g / l.

An increase in the level of protein in the urine accompanies many kidney diseases. It may be due to a meat diet or cystitis. Often, an additional comprehensive study is required to differentiate the disease of the urinary system.

NIT (nitrites)- in healthy animals, these substances should not be in the urine, but it is not always possible to reliably judge the presence of pathogenic microflora in the urinary tract. Refined analysis will show a more accurate picture.

GLU (glucose)- in a healthy animal, this substance is absent. The appearance can be triggered by a stressful condition, which is more common in cats.

An increase in glucose levels is an indicator of diabetes mellitus, for clarification, a blood test for sugar is performed. Other causes of glucosuria can be: pancreatic disease, acute renal failure, hyperthyroidism, glomerulonephritis, taking certain medications.

pH (acidity)- an indicator of the concentration of free hydrogen ions.
Changes in acidity is one of the factors leading to the formation of stones in the urinary tract. Deviations of the indicator can occur with protein overfeeding, chronic infection of the urinary ducts, pyelitis, cystitis, vomiting, diarrhea.

Dogs and cats - from 6.5 to 7.0.

S.G (density, specific gravity)- shows the concentration of dissolved substances. It is important to analyze the indicator before the start of treatment, to control the appointment of droppers and diuretic medications.

Dogs - 1.015-1.025 g / ml.

Cats - 1.020-1.025 g / ml.

An increase above 1.030 and a decrease to 1.007 indicate functional disorders kidneys.

VTC ( ascorbic acid) - is not deposited by the body and in excess is excreted in the urine.

Cats and dogs - up to 50 mg/dL.

The increase is caused by an excess of the vitamin when feeding or taking certain medications.

The decrease is associated with hypovitaminosis, unbalanced nutrition.

Sediment microscopy

It allows you to determine the presence of certain diseases that do not have visible symptoms. In addition to substances dissolved in urine, its composition is supplemented by solid salt crystals, tissue cells, and microorganisms. Their analysis allows you to create the most reliable picture of the state of health of the animal.

Slime- a small amount is the result of the activity of the mucous glands belonging to the urinary and reproductive systems.

An increase in mucus secretion to the formation of a clot signals the presence of cystitis (inflammation of the bladder wall).

Fat (drip)- may be kept in healthy animals, especially cats. The amount often depends on the feeding.

The increase is associated with overfeeding with fatty foods, sometimes indicating a violation of the kidneys. Requires additional research to clarify the diagnosis.

Leukocytes- in a healthy animal, single, up to 3 cells in the field of view during microscopic examination.
An increase in the number indicates the presence of inflammation or infection of the urinary tract. It may also be due to incorrect sampling.

red blood cells- appear in the urine as a result of bleeding that occurs in various parts of the genitourinary system.
Therefore, it is important to know in which portion of urine blood appeared (at the beginning, at the end or throughout the entire urination).

Up to 5 cells are allowed.

An increase in red blood cells (hematuria) or its derivatives (hemoglobin) leads to urine staining. Hematuria or hemoglobinuria in the first phase of urination indicates damage to the urinary ducts or adjacent genital organs, and in the final phase - damage to the bladder. Uniform redness of the entire portion of the discharge can reveal injuries to any part of the genitourinary system.

Surface epithelium- can appear with poor-quality urine sampling, where swabs from the genital organs got into.

transitional epithelium- normally not present, its presence indicates inflammation of the urinary tract.

renal epithelium- not normally present, found in kidney disease.

crystals- are insoluble salts that can be found in healthy animals without pathologies.

An increase in the number is observed in animals prone to the formation of stones. However, this is not the reason for prescribing treatment without additional research.

bacteria- in healthy animals, urine is sterile. Bacteria can be detected in incorrectly taken samples, where swabs from adjacent organs of the reproductive system fall, as well as when the ascending tract of the genitourinary system is infected.

spermatozoa- get from the genital organs with poor-quality urine sampling for analysis.

cylinders- absent in the normal state. They have the form of urinary tubules, being a kind of plugs from organic structures of various origins accumulating in them, clogging the gaps and gradually washed out by urine.

Up to 2 in the microscope field.

An increase in the number of cylinders occurs with a disease of the urinary system. According to their form and origin, they diagnose: stagnation phenomena, inflammation processes, dehydration, pyelonephritis, necrosis, lesions of the parenchyma and tubules.

A general analysis of the animal's urine with sediment microscopy allows the doctor to make a preliminary diagnosis, which must be confirmed by additional studies.

Recently, we have completed studies that show that cat urine pH is not a good predictor of calcium oxalate oversaturation. And, although metabolic acidosis is accompanied by a decrease in calcium in the urine, it is possible to formulate a diet for cats in such a way that the pH of the urine is maintained at a level of 5.8-6.2, thereby providing a low urinary RSS with calcium oxalate. This prevents the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

In some cases of persistent calcium oxalate crystalluria or a recurrent form of this type of urolithiasis, it is recommended to resort to an auxiliary drug treatment. For this purpose, potassium, thiazide diuretics and vitamin B6 can be used. Potassium citrate is widely used to prevent recurrence of oxalate-calcium urolithiasis in humans, since this salt, reacting with calcium, forms soluble salts that can lead to a deficiency of these elements in the body of animals. Special studies of the efficacy of schdrochlorothiazide in calcium oxalate urolithiasis and the safety of its use in cats have not been conducted. Therefore, this drug cannot yet be recommended for their treatment.

The effectiveness of the treatment of urolithiasis should be monitored by urine tests of patients, which are advisable to be carried out initially at intervals of two, then at four weeks, and thereafter every three to six months. Since not all cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis excrete calcium oxalate crystals in the urine, patients should be x-rayed every three to six months. This makes it possible to timely diagnose relapses of urolithiasis. Detection of uroliths at a stage when they are still quite small in size, allows them to be removed by washing the urinary tract of cats with water under pressure.

Treatment approaches in localization urinary stones in the kidneys and ureters

Literature data regarding the most effective treatment for cats with kidney and ureteral uroliths are conflicting. Kyles et al reported that 92% of cats with ureteral uroliths had azotemia on initial examination. In 67% of cases, several uroliths are found in the ureter, and in 63% of cats with this pathology, stones are localized in both ureters. Nephrectomy is rarely used in this pathology due to the high probability of urolith formation simultaneously in both ureters, the increased severity of renal failure associated with this form of urolithiasis, and the high incidence of recurrence of the latter. Removal of urinary stones from the kidneys surgically entails the inevitable loss of nephrons. Therefore, this method of treatment is not recommended until it becomes obvious that the uroliths in the kidney do indeed cause serious illness in the animal. The indication for dissection of the ureter to remove uroliths from it is the progressive development of dropsy of the renal pelvis. The operation is performed only if there is undeniable evidence that urinary stones are localized in the ureter. After this operation, cats may experience complications such as accumulation of urine in the abdominal cavity and ureteral stricture. alternative surgical treatment is conservative therapy. The palliative method of treatment in 30% of cases ensures the displacement of the urolith from the ureter to the bladder. Lithotripsy is widely used in humans, but in veterinary medicine this approach has not yet become a routine method for removing stones from the kidneys and ureters.

Phosphate-calcium uroliths

Establishing and eliminating the conditions that favor the formation of calcium phosphate uroliths is the first and most milestone prevention of this type of urolithiasis. The cat should be evaluated for primary parathyroidism, hypercalcemia, high urinary calcium and/or phosphate, and alkaline urine. An analysis of the history data can provide information on whether other types of urolithiasis were previously treated with a diet and whether urine alkalizing agents were used for this purpose. If it was not possible to diagnose the patient's primary disease, against which calcium phosphate urolithiasis developed, then they resort to the same treatment strategy that is used for calcium oxalate urolithiasis. However, the necessary precautions should be taken to prevent an excessive increase in urine pH, which is often the case when cats receive special foods intended for the treatment of calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Urate uroliths

The frequency of detection in cats of urate uroliths is lower than that of struvite and calcium oxalate - less than 6% of cases of urate urolithiasis are recorded in Siamese cats, and 9 out of 321 in Egyptian Mau.

Urate uroliths can form in cats with portosystemic anastomosis and various forms severe liver dysfunction. Perhaps this is due to a decrease in the level of conversion of ammonium to urea, which leads to hyperammonemia. Urate uroliths in cats with portosystemic anastomosis usually contain struvite. Urate uroliths are also found in the following cases:

With urinary tract infections, accompanied by an increase in the concentration of ammonia in the urine;

With metabolic acidosis and strongly alkalized urine;

When cats are fed a diet rich in purines, such as those made from liver or other internal organs -

In most cases, the pathogenesis of this type urolithiasis remains unknown.

Theoretically, the urate type of urolithiasis can be corrected with the help of clinical nutrition. However, there are no published clinical trial data on the effectiveness of special diets in the treatment of this disease in cats.

Feeding strategies for cats diagnosed with urate urolithiasis should aim to reduce the amount of purines in the diet. As with other types of urolithiasis, sick animals should be encouraged to consume large amounts of water, as well as increase the moisture content of the feed. This approach helps to reduce the concentration of urine and its saturation with compounds from which uroliths are formed.

Alkalinization of urine

Alkaline urine contains little ionized ammonia, so an increase in urine pH is considered effective way reduce the risk of ammonium urate urinary stones. Low-protein, plant-based foods induce alkalinization of the urine, but may require the addition of potassium citrate to enhance this effect. Its dosage is selected for each patient individually, guided by the results of determining the pH of the urine, which should be maintained at 6.8-7.2. Avoid increasing this indicator above 7.5. since in strongly alkalized urine favorable conditions can be created for the crystallization of calcium phosphate. If a cat is fed a plant-based food, it must be balanced in terms of all nutrients and meet the individual needs of the animal.

Xanthine oxidase inhibitors

Allopurinol is an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the catalytic conversion of xanthine and hypoxanthine to uric acid. It is used to treat animals of other species in order to increase the excretion of urates in the urine. Although one publication reported that allopurinol was administered orally to cats at a dose of 9 mg/kg body weight per day, its efficacy and potential toxicity to them is unclear. Therefore, this drug cannot yet be recommended for the treatment of cats.

In the process of dissolution of uroliths, it is necessary to monitor the change in their size. To do this, conduct an overview and double contrast radiographic examination, as well as ultrasound scanning every 4-6 weeks. After complete dissolution of the uroliths, it is recommended to confirm this fact using ultrasound or double contrast cystography. In the future, it is advisable to repeat such examinations at least every two months during the year, since the risk of recurrence of cystine urinary stones is extremely high. The effectiveness of treatment is also confirmed by urine tests, which are carried out at intervals of 3-6 months.

Cystine uroliths

Drug treatment aimed at dissolving cystine uroliths in cats has not yet been developed. Small cystine uroliths can be removed from the urinary tract by rinsing it with water under high pressure. Large urinary stones have to be removed surgically.

If an attempt is made to dissolve cystine uroliths, then every effort should be made to reduce the concentration of cystine in the urine and increase its solubility. This goal is usually achieved by reducing the content of methionine and cystine in the diet while using drugs containing thiol.

These drugs interact with cystine by exchanging thiol disulfide radicals. As a result of this interaction, a complex is formed in the urine, which differs from cystine in its greater solubility. N-2-mercaptopropionyl-glycine is recommended to be given to cats at a dose of 12-20 mc/kg of body weight with an interval of 12 hours.

Alkalinization of urine

The solubility of cystine depends on the pH level of the urine in cats, it increases in alkaline urine. Urinary pH can be raised by using a diet containing potassium citrate or by oral administration of this drug to animals.

In the process of dissolution of urinary stones, it is necessary to monitor the change in their size. To do this, cats regularly undergo plain and double contrast radiographic examination, as well as ultrasound scanning at intervals of 4-6 weeks. After complete dissolution of the uroliths, it is recommended to confirm this fact using ultrasound or double contrast cystography. In the future, it is advisable to repeat such examinations at least every two months during the year, since the risk of recurrence of cystine urinary stones is extremely high. The effectiveness of treatment is also confirmed by urine tests, which are performed at intervals of 2-3 months.