After the biochemical tests have been completed, a refractometer is used to determine the specific gravity of the urine. This allows us to tell if the kidneys are working to keep the urine concentrated or not, or whether any other disease might be causing the urine to be inappropriately dilute.

Once this has been completed, the urine that was started spinning in the centrifuge at the beginning of the urinalysis process is examined under a microscope. We examine this concentrated urine with and without stain. The unstained sample is used to determine if any crystals are present in the urine. There are a number of different types of crystals that animals can develop, in both acidic and alkaline urine. Some are displayed to the left of this text. The stained sample of concentrated urine is used to determine whether cells, casts or bacteria are present. This information helps us build up a picture of exactly what is going on in your pet's urinary tract.

Once we have completed the urinalysis, the vets telephone the animal's owner to inform them of our findings, and to discuss further diagnostic steps or the proposed treatment.
Many specialised prescription diets are now available to help treat urinary tract problems, please contact us for more information