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Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of substrate composition and storage time on urine specific gravity in dogs., Methods: A descriptive cohort study of 15 dogs. The urine specific gravity of free catch urine samples was analysed during a 5-hour time period using three separate storage methods; a closed syringe, a diaper pad and non-absorbable cat litter., Results: The urine specific gravity increased over time in all three substrates. The syringe sample had the least change from baseline and the diaper sample had the greatest change from baseline. The urine specific gravity for the litter and diaper samples had a statistically significant increase from the 1-hour to the 5-hour time point., Clinical Significance: The urine specific gravity from canine urine stored either on a diaper or in a non-absorbable litter increased over time. Although the change was found to be statistically significant over the 5-hour study period it is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be subclinical or difficult to detect in dilute urine as sediment abnormalities may not be observed. In our laboratory, bacterial culture is automatically performed (reflex culture) on samples with urine specific gravity (USG)< or =1.013 to increase the likelihood of detecting infection. The value of routine culture of dilute urine, however, has not been fully assessed., Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency of positive bacterial cultures and analyze the diagnostic utility and cost-effectiveness of culture compared with routine sediment examination for detecting UTI in dilute urine specimens from dogs., Methods: Urinalysis and concurrent aerobic bacterial culture results were obtained from the electronic medical record system at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for samples with USG< or =1.013 analyzed from July 1998 through January 2005. Urine collection method, presence of leukocytes and bacteria, bacterial culture results, and clinical diagnosis were recorded. Cost-effectiveness of reflex culture, based on low USG as the sole criterion, was evaluated., Results: Of 1264 urine specimens, 106 (8.4%) had positive bacterial cultures. Using culture as the gold standard, sediment evaluation had a diagnostic sensitivity of 58.5% and specificity of 98.3% (diagnostic accuracy 94.9%). An additional cost of $60 per patient was incurred, leading to average annual costs of $11,668 for reflex bacterial cultures of all samples with low USG, regardless of collection method. Within our study population, 10 urine samples needed to be cultured for each true positive result., Conclusions: The sensitivity of urine sediment evaluation is low for UTI in dilute urine samples; however, reflex bacterial culture does not appear to be cost-effective in dogs with USG< or =1.013 in the absence of active urine sediment or high clinical suspicion for UTI.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of medetomidine and xylazine on diuretic and hormonal variables in healthy dogs. Five dogs, used in each of 11 groups, were injected intramuscularly with physiological saline solution (control), 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 microg/kg of medetomidine, and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg of xylazine. Urine and blood samples were taken 11 times over 24 h. Both medetomidine and xylazine increased urine production in a dose-dependent manner up to 4 h after injection, but the increase was much less with medetomidine than with xylazine at the tested doses. Urine specific gravity, pH, osmolality, and concentrations of creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) were decreased in a dose-dependent manner with both medetomidine and xylazine. Plasma osmolality and concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride were increased significantly with both drugs. Total amounts of urine AVP excreted and plasma AVP concentrations were significantly decreased by higher doses of medetomidine but were not significantly decreased by xylazine. Higher doses of both drugs significantly increased the plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), but the effect was greater with medetomidine than with xylazine. The results revealed that both drugs induce a profound diuresis, but medetomidine's effect is less dose-dependent than xylazine's effect. Although changes in plasma concentrations of AVP and ANP may partially influence the diuresis induced by medetomidine, other factors may be involved in the mechanism of the diuretic response to both drugs. Thus, both agents can be used clinically for transient but effective diuresis accompanied by sedation.

Objective: To investigate the effects of benazepril and heparin on renal function and blood pressure in dogs with chronic kidney disease., Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial., Animals: 26 dogs with chronic kidney disease., Procedures: Dogs were randomly assigned to receive benazepril hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg [0.23 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 10), benazepril and heparin (150 U/kg [68 U/lb], SC, q 8 h, for the first 6 days; 10), or a placebo (6) and were followed up for 180 days., Results: Health status score at the end of the study (ie, day 180) was significantly higher for dogs in the 2 treatment groups than for dogs in the placebo group. In addition, glomerular filtration rate was significantly increased and the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was significantly decreased, compared with baseline rates, at the end of the study for dogs in both treatment groups but not for dogs in the placebo group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased on day 6 for dogs in both treatment groups., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggested that administration of benazepril had beneficial effects in dogs with chronic kidney disease but that short-term administration of heparin in conjunction with benazepril did not appear to provide any additional benefit.

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be detected in feline urine submitted for urinalysis and culture as part of the diagnostic workup for a variety of conditions. Our aim was to investigate urinalysis and culture findings in urine specimens from cats with no history of lower urinary tract signs. Study inclusion criteria required cystocentesis specimens from cats with no history of lower urinary tract signs, inappropriate urination, or previous UTI (including pyelonephritis). Of 132 specimens, 38 were culture positive and 94 were culture negative. Culture positive urine specimens were more likely to come from older female cats (p=0.03, p<0.001, respectively) and they had higher pH (p=0.001), erythrocyte (p=0.013) and leukocyte counts (p=0.003) than culture negative urine specimens. Gram-negative infected specimens (n=15) had lower urine specific gravity and higher leukocyte counts than Gram-positive infected specimens (n=21; p=0.0012, p=0.005, respectively) and culture negative specimens (p=0.003, p<0.0001, respectively). Urine protein:creatinine ratio was higher in Gram-negative infected urine than in culture negative urine (p=0.013). Enterococcus faecalis was the most commonly isolated bacteria (19 of a total of 44 isolates; 43.2%) and E. coli phylogenetic group B2 was the most common Gram-negative isolate (14 of a total of 44 isolates; 31.8%). We conclude that feline bacterial urinary tract infections can occur in cats without lower urinary tract signs, particularly older females and that they are associated with high urine erythrocyte and leukocyte counts.

The concentrations of protein and creatinine were measured in urine samples from 74 healthy domestic pet rabbits, 54 of them seronegative to Encephalitozoon cuniculi and 20 seropositive. The calculated reference range for the urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) of E cuniculi-seronegative rabbits was 0.11 to 0.40. There was no significant variation in the UPC due to the bodyweight, breed, sex, neutered status or husbandry of the rabbits. Seroconversion to E cuniculi was not found to be associated with clinical renal disease because none of the seropositive rabbits had azotaemia or proteinuria.

The measurement of hormones in urine has become a widely used technique in primatology. Because urine concentration varies according to fluid intake, concentration must be measured in each sample collected, and hormone values are always expressed per unit of concentration. Traditionally, creatinine has been used as a concentration index, but some studies in humans have shown that creatinine varies among populations and even within and between individuals within a population, and that it begins to degrade after just one freeze-thaw cycle. In addition, creatinine measurement is relatively time-consuming and expensive and creates hazardous waste. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that specific gravity, or the ratio of the density of a sample to that of water, is highly correlated with creatinine measurement in urine samples collected from captive chimpanzees at the New Iberia Research Center in Louisiana and wild chimpanzees at the Ngogo study site in the Kibale National Park, Uganda. We found that specific gravity and creatinine were highly correlated in both captive (N=124) and wild (N=13) chimpanzee samples, and that specific gravity measurement was robust to actual and simulated transport conditions and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. We recommend that researchers consider specific gravity measurement as a preferable alternative to creatinine measurement in their studies of primate endocrinology., ((c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objective: To determine the mineral composition of calculi, anatomic locations of the calculi, and findings of urinalysis and bacteriologic culture of urine and calculi in guinea pigs with urolithiasis., Design: Cross-sectional study., Animals: 127 guinea pigs., Procedures: Records of urinary calculi that had been submitted to the University of California Stone Laboratory from 1985 through 2003 were reviewed. In addition, submissions of urinary calculi for evaluation by the laboratory were prospectively solicited from 2004 through 2007. Prospectively obtained calculi were accompanied by a urine sample for urinalysis and bacteriologic culture and a completed questionnaire. All calculi were analyzed by use of polarized light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. A subset of calculi was examined by means of x-ray diffractometry (XRD)., Results: 83% (43/52) of calculi from the laboratory database and 93% (70/75) of calculi that were prospectively solicited were composed of 100% calcium carbonate. Analysis via XRD confirmed that 5 of 6 calculi from a subset that had the greatest gross morphologic variation were composed of 100% calcite. Although many guinea pigs had received anti-microbials before bacteriologic cultures of urine were performed, Corynebacterium renale was isolated from 5 urine samples., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Contrary to findings of other studies, urinary calculi analyzed for the present study were most commonly composed of 100% calcium carbonate, and infrared spectroscopy or XRD was necessary to differentiate this mineral from others. Treatments, including diet and husbandry practices, should be developed to help prevent development of calcium carbonate calculi in guinea pigs.

This case report describes the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of a four-year-old goat with type I diabetes mellitus. Weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria were the main clinical signs. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria, ketonuria and aciduria. The most important haematological and biochemical findings were anaemia attributable to parasitism, hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia. The goat was treated with insulin administered subcutaneously twice daily for almost four years. The goat developed bronchopneumonia at eight years of age and was euthanased. Postmortem examination showed degeneration of insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas.

Advances in the treatment and monitoring of diabetes mellitus in humans are being applied to feline patients. The authors present the current approaches to the treatment of diabetic cats as well as their experience with the use of new monitoring technology.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the Clinitek status analyser using Multistix10SG/Microalbustix dipsticks (all: Siemens Dx) for canine urine (n=101) compared to reference methods: visual reading (Combur9 dipstick, Roche), refractometry, microscopy, and quantitative protein/creatinine analysis (Pentra400, AxonLab). The automated analyses were done twice and visual tests were performed by two examiners. An excellent to good concordance was demonstrated between the first/second analysis with the Multistix10SG and the Combur9 dipstick, respectively with Cohen's kappa-values ranging from 0.776 to 1.000. Agreement between both dipsticks was good for glucose (kappa=0.753), blood (kappa=0.793), protein (kappa=0.788), and moderate for bilirubin (kappa=0.431) and ketones (kappa=0.540). In 6/101 specimens, false positive ketone reactions were obtained with the Multistix10SG. Multistix10SG could not be used for determination of pyuria or specific gravity. Semiquantitative/quantitative protein results correlated well (rho=0.90) and creatinine measurements moderately (rho=0.76). Due to automated data transmission to the laboratory information system, the Clinitek status is of advantage in veterinary laboratories/clinics.

This study reports urinalysis values for three species of captive rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, and Diceros bicornis) and evaluates individual and species differences. Repeated urinalysis was conducted on 11 individuals to establish normal reference ranges. Although no individual or species differences existed in urinary values for pH, all species differed in specific gravity. Rhinoceros urine demonstrated many physical and chemical properties similar to that of the horse, but reliability of this comparison was limited. Urinary pH in the rhinoceros was within range of that established for the horse and other large herbivores. However, all rhinoceros species exhibited urinary specific gravities below the lower limit of the normal equine reference range. Comparative urinalysis using an outside laboratory source confirmed the results of this study and illustrated the value of conducting in-house analysis. These results are the first data available on reference ranges for urine parameters in the greater one-horned, Sumatran, and African black rhinoceros and provide a useful diagnostic tool for the veterinary care of individuals in captivity.

Urinary specific gravity (USG) measurements are underused by equine ambulatory veterinarians. Urinary dipstick and USG findings can assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of many disease processes in the horse. Simple methods for measurement of the glomerular filtration rate and urinary biochemical markers can improve equine urinary diagnostic abilities in critical care patients. Fractional excretion of electrolytes and minerals assists in fluid care and in management of nutrition of horses.

Although insufficient milk production in lactating sows may cause tremendous economic losses, reliable methods for estimating milk production in sows under field conditions are not available. This study aimed to investigate whether urine parameters could be used to predict milk production in sows. The milk production of 18 sows was determined during early and mid-lactation. Morning (a.m.) and afternoon (p.m.) urinary levels of potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), lactose and creatinine were analysed. The absolute concentrations, the ratios relative to creatinine, and the fractional excretions of all elements in urine were not significantly associated with milk production. The p.m./a.m. ratios of K, Na and Ca concentrations in urine (K(R), Na(R), and Ca(R)) were significant predictors for milk production, but only during mid-lactation. The total variation in milk production (r(2) value) explained by K(R), Na(R), Ca(R) amounted to 72%, 55%, 42%, respectively. Analysis of minerals and especially K in the a.m. and p.m. urine of sows during mid-lactation provided an acceptable indication of milk production. Further research is necessary to investigate whether the present results can be used to estimate milk production in hypogalactic sows under field conditions.

Fourteen cats were given immunosuppressive doses of either prednisolone (4.4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0.55 mg/kg/day) for 56 days. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken laparoscopically on day 56, because of evidence of hepatic disease on the serum biochemistry profiles. There were significant increases in the cats' mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts and monocyte counts, and significant decreases in their mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. There were consistent increases in the serum concentrations of albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glycogen deposition, consistent with a steroid hepatopathy, was present to varying degrees in all the liver biopsies. One of the cats developed adverse clinical signs including anorexia, icterus, pruritus and medial curling of the pinnae, some of which were suspected to be related to the glucocorticoid therapy.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy goats and sheep. Twelve Saanen goats and 12 Ostfrisean milk sheep (fourth lactation) were divided into 2 groups each [sheep control (SC), goat control (GC); sheep anionic salts (SA), goat anionic salts (GA)]. Each group was fed a different diet in the last 10 d of gestation. Groups SC and GC received a normal diet according to the requirements of goats and sheep in this stage of gestation. Groups SA and GA received supplemental anionic salts. The dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) was +524 (SC) and +515 (GC) vs. -163 (SA) and -164 (GA) mEq/kg of dry matter. Blood and urine samples were collected daily until parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, serum crosslaps (CTX), osteocalcin, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (VITD), urinary pH, and urinary Ca concentrations were analyzed. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured with peripheral quantitative computer tomography. The bone resorption marker CTX showed significant differences between the animals supplemented with anionic salts and the control animals in goats, but not in sheep. The goats receiving anionic salts had greater CTX concentrations throughout the administration of the salts. In sheep, a difference was only observed on the day of parturition. Similar observations were made in VITD concentrations, although a significant difference between the goat groups was only observed 3 d prepartum. The bone formation marker osteocalcin was lower prepartum in the animals supplemented with anionic salts. The urinary pH was lower in the SA and GA animals, whereas urinary Ca concentrations were greater. Bone mineral content and bone mineral density decreased in all groups around parturition. In conclusion, this experiment showed that the addition of anionic salts in goats led to greater bone resorption rates while on this feeding regimen. It can be concluded that the anionic salts induced a mild metabolic acidosis with all its effects on calcium metabolism. These effects were not evident in milk sheep.

Urine chemical analysis can extend "beyond the dipstick" with an understanding of renal physiology and expected changes in electrolyte and solute handling. Urine electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, can be helpful in discerning prerenal azotemia from acute renal tubular damage, which occur secondary to nephrotoxins or ischemia. Urine osmolality also is essential in determining appropriate antidiuretic hormone action and renal water handling. Urine solutes, such as albumin and brush border enzymes, may be more sensitive than plasma markers for early renal dysfunction. This article reviews these topics and the use of "extended" urine indices in veterinary medicine.

Generalised paresis, severe hypokalaemia and kaliuresis, metabolic alkalosis and hypertension, characteristic of mineralocorticoid excess, were identified in a dog with hyperadrenocorticism due to a functional adrenocortical carcinoma. Aldosterone concentration was decreased and deoxycorticosterone concentration increased in the presence of hypokalaemia. These metabolic abnormalities resolved with resection of the carcinoma. Mineralocorticoid excess in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism is generally considered to be of little clinical significance but resulted in the acute presentation of this patient. The possible pathogenesis of mineralocorticoid excess in this case of canine hyperadrenocorticism is discussed.

To determine if routine pre-treatment clinical data can be used to predict the development of overt renal insufficiency following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism, we studied retrospectively all non-azotemic cats undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism at our hospital. Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, and serum biochemical, hematologic and urinalysis parameters before and after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Two groups - cats that developed post-treatment renal insufficiency, and those that did not - were compared. No significant differences could be detected between the groups with respect to the parameters measured. Our study suggests that the results of routine pre-treatment clinical data cannot be used to reliably predict renal function after treatment for hyperthyroidism, validating the necessity of a methimazole trial prior to definitive therapy. The widely held belief that cats with pre-treatment urine specific gravity>1.035 are at less risk for development of renal azotemia after treatment of hyperthyroidism seems unwarranted.

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered felid species in the world, confined nowadays to two isolated metapopulations in the southwest of Spain, where less than 200 individuals survive. Little is known about the diseases that affect these animals in the wild or in captivity. Kidney samples from necropsies of 27 Iberian lynxes, wild and captive, were examined by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IgG, IgM, IgA, laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin), electron microscopy (n=8) and immunogold labelling for IgM, IgG and IgA in one case, in order to characterize the glomerulopathy prevalent in this species. Urinalyses from records were available for 9 of the necropsied animals and blood and urine samples from 23 free ranging and captive Iberian lynxes were prospectively obtained in order to evaluate the renal function of the living population. A focal, diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) that progressed with age was diagnosed in all but one of the animals in different stages not associated to concurrently known infectious diseases. Positive immunoexpression of IgM and IgG was observed in the glomerular capillary basement membranes and intramembranous electron-dense deposits, compatible with immune complexes (ICs) were seen with electron microscopy. The immunogold labelling was also positive for IgM and IgG in the electron-dense areas. The serum biochemistry and urinalyses also revealed signs of mild chronic kidney disease in 16 of the 23 animals evaluated. In conclusion, the membranous glomerulopathy affecting the Iberian lynx is a progressive disease of immune origin. We postulate a possible genetic predisposition towards the disease, enhanced by inbreeding and a possible connection to an immune-mediated systemic disease.

Prednisolone (10 mg PO q24h) or placebo was administered to healthy cats for 2 weeks in a masked, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. When cats received prednisolone, 24-hour urine pH was lower and 24-hour urine excretion of creatinine, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium was higher than when cats received placebo. No significant difference was found in urinary relative supersaturation for calcium oxalate (CaOx) or struvite between treatment groups. Prednisolone administration did not induce diuresis, nor was it associated with increased calcium excretion or urinary saturation for CaOx in these healthy cats. Results of this study, however, should not be extrapolated to cats that form CaOx uroliths associated with idiopathic hypercalcemia.

Pathologic conditions of the urinary tract may produce specific clinical signs, but they are more than likely to be nonspecific clinical signs, which often occur with chronic renal disease in addition to countless other diseases. Further, clinical signs that may seem to be directly related to the urinary tract may be the result of other systemic diseases. Thus, before embarking on diagnostics, it is important to obtain a thorough history and physical examination.

Polyuria and polydipsia provide a diagnostic challenge for the equine clinician. This article describes the various known causes of polyuria and polydipsia in horses and provides a description of a systematic diagnostic approach for assessing horses with polyuria and polydipsia to delineate the underlying cause. Treatment and management strategies for addressing polyuria and polydipsia in horses are also described.

Hydrochlorothiazide (1 mg/kg PO q12h) or placebo was administered to healthy cats for 2 weeks in a masked, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. When cats received hydrochlorothiazide, 24-hour urine volume, ammonia, chloride, creatinine, magnesium, oxalic acid, phosphate, potassium, and sodium were significantly higher than when cats received placebo. Hydrochlorothiazide was associated with significantly lower urinary saturation for calcium oxalate, but no difference was found in 24-hour urine calcium and citrate, urinary saturation for struvite, or blood ionized calcium. Hydrochlorothiazide decreased urinary saturation for calcium oxalate and could be useful in managing cats with calcium oxalate uroliths. Results of this study, however, should not be extrapolated to cats that form calcium oxalate uroliths.

Hematuria and pigmenturia of horses are discussed in this article. Equine urine is normally straw colored. Discolored urine can be caused by contamination with red blood cells, hemoglobin, myoglobin, oxidizing agents normally found in urine, and plant-derived pigments.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is considered to be one of the most common diagnoses in feline patients. Several authors have concluded that feline idiopathic cystitis is the most common cause of FLUTD, whereas infectious cystitis is diagnosed in only 2% of the cases. In the period from January 2003 to February 2005, 134 cats that presented with signs of lower urinary tract disorders were included in a study at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. Ninety-seven percent were first opinion cases. All the cats went through a physical examination, and blood samples were collected for haematology and clinical chemistry. The urine analysis included urine stix, specific gravity, microscopic examination of the sediment and microbiological culturing. The urine samples were collected as voided mid-stream urine samples, by catheter or by cystocentesis and the method used was registered. Of the 134 cats included in the study, 37% were diagnosed as having obstructive and 63% as having non-obstructive FLUTD. In total 44 cats (33%) were diagnosed with bacteriuria, exceeding 10(3) colony forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml) and 33 (25%) of these cats had bacterial growth exceeding 10(4) cfu/ml, either alone or in combination with crystals and/or uroliths. Six cats (18%) with bacterial growth exceeding 10(4) cfu/ml were older than 8 years. No significant difference was found between the sampling methods performed with regard to bacteriuria. This study indicates that bacteriuria may have been underdiagnosed in Norwegian cats with clinical signs of FLUTD. It also confirms the importance of microbiological culturing in first opinion cases with FLUTD and that a skilled operator can get representative samples regardless the choice of method.

Two experiments evaluated effects of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) on performance, intake patterns, and acid-base balance of feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 360 crossbred steers (Brangus, British, and British x Continental breeding; initial BW = 545 kg) were used in a study with a 3 x 3 factorial design to study the effects of dose [0, 100, or 200 mg/(steer x d) of RAC] and duration (28, 35, or 42 d) of feeding of RAC in a randomized complete block design (9 treatments, 8 pens/treatment). No dose x duration interactions were detected (P > 0.10). As RAC dose increased, final BW (FBW; P = 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and G:F (P < 0.01) increased linearly. As duration of feeding increased, ADG increased quadratically (P = 0.04), with tendencies for quadratic effects for FBW (P = 0.06), DMI (P = 0.07), and G:F (P = 0.09). Hot carcass weight increased linearly (P = 0.02) as dose of RAC increased. Thus, increasing the dose of RAC from 0 to 200 mg/(steer x d) and the duration of feeding from 28 to 42 d improved feedlot performance, although quadratic responses for duration of feeding indicated little improvement as the duration was extended from 35 to 42 d. In Exp. 2, 12 crossbred beef steers (BW = 593 kg) were used in a completely random design to evaluate the effects of RAC [0 or 200 mg/(steer x d) for 30 d; 6 steers/treatment] on rate of intake, daily variation in intake patterns, and acid-base balance. To assess intake patterns, absolute values of daily deviations in feed delivered to each steer relative to the total quantity of feed delivered were analyzed as repeated measures. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in feedlot performance, urine pH, blood gas measurements, or variation in intake patterns between RAC and control cattle, but steers fed RAC had increased (P = 0.04) LM area, decreased (P = 0.03) yield grade, and increased (P < 0.10) time to consume 50 and 75% of daily intake relative to control steers. Our results suggest that feeding RAC for 35 d at 200 mg/(steer x d) provided optimal performance, and no effects on acid-base balance or variation in intake patterns of finishing steers were noted with RAC fed at 200 mg/(steer x d) over a 30-d period.

Objective: To evaluate the antitumor activity and toxic effects of a conservative dose of cisplatin administered in combination with piroxicam to dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder., Design: Clinical trial (nonrandomized, noncontrolled)., Animals: 14 client-owned dogs with histologically confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder., Procedures: Each dog was treated with cisplatin (50 mg/m(2), i.v., q 21 d [reduced to 40 mg/m(2), i.v., q 21 d because of toxic effects]) and piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h). A CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and urinalysis were performed prior to each cisplatin treatment. Tumor staging (determined from thoracic and abdominal radiographic and urinary bladder ultrasonographic findings) was performed before treatment and at 6-week intervals during treatment., Results: 5 dogs received only 1 dose of cisplatin because of the rapid progression of disease (n = 2) or toxic effects (3). With regard to the neoplastic disease among the other 9 dogs, 1 had partial remission, 5 had stable disease, and 3 had progressive disease after 6 weeks of treatment. Median progression-free interval was 78 days (range, 20 to 112 days). Median survival time was 307 days (range, 29 to 929 days). Moderate to severe renal toxicosis and moderate to severe gastrointestinal toxicosis developed in 5 and 8 dogs, respectively., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Because of minimal efficacy and associated renal and gastrointestinal toxicosis, administration of cisplatin (40 to 50 mg/m(2)) with piroxicam cannot be recommended for treatment of dogs with TCC of the urinary bladder.

Presented is an African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) following zinc ingestion. The sick rat was lethargic, withdrawn, had soft, mucus-impregnated faeces and diahorrea, foot twitching and icterus. Comparative age, sex and body weight (b.wt.)-matched analyses were made with a healthy giant rat. Twelve-hourly Urine volume (UV), Haematocrit (Hct), urinary glucose, plasma zinc and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were performed over an 8-week period. Full blood counts were performed and differential WBC counts and microscopic observations were made on blood smears obtained from both healthy and sick rats. Consecutive blood samples were drawn at the end of each week (Weeks <2-6 treatment; Weeks 7-8 post-treatment). Treatment involved oral vitamin B12 supplement at 4 microg/day and 2 ml diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) intramuscular injections at 1 ml/450g b.wt./5 wks (Week 2 - 6). Day 1 showed neutropaenia, Heinz bodies on RBCs (reticulocytes and immature forms). Zinc (Day 1 - end Week 7), glucose (Day 1 - end Week 4), ALP (Day 1 -Week 4) and UV were elevated (Day 1 - end Week 6). Indications of moderate zinc toxicosis following ingestion and stress-associated glucosuria were concluded.

Measurements of nitrogen, carbon and energy balances were done on eight female adult cats aged approximately 1.5 years with the help of respiration chambers. The cats were fed with a marked dry food for kittens (Biomill kitten). Faeces and urine samples were collected with the help of a special cat toilet that allows the single collection of both materials. The calculated energy requirement of these eight female cats was 239.6 kJ ME/kg BW/day (R(2) = 0.98). Including the data, on 12 young male adult cats, of Läuger, (2001), an energy requirement of 238 kJ ME/kg BW/day (R(2) = 0.95) could be calculated. From these data, it can be followed that the energy requirements of young, active cats are higher than that of the older cats. The method of indirect calorimetry does not necessarily lead to lower energy requirements.

Haematology, blood chemistry and urine values were determined for 44 adult free-ranging plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus; Rodentia, Chinchillidae) in their pampas habitat in central Argentina. The study animals were captured in the wild and anaesthetized with a ketamine-xylazine combination for physical examination and sampling. Blood was obtained by venipuncture of the saphenous vein. Results for many of the blood parameters fall within the reference ranges for pet chinchillas. Differentiation of white blood cells revealed a predominantly neutrophil count for plains viscachas, while chinchillas have predominantly lymphocytes. Mean values for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and sodium were higher than the upper limit of the reference range for pet chinchillas. The results of seven analytes (haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride) were compared by using both a portable blood analyser (i-STAT) in the field and conventional laboratory methods. In general, correlation and agreement between the two methods were low for most parameters.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic usefulness of semiquantitative and quantitative microalbuminuria assays and urine albumin-to-creatinine (UAC) ratio for detecting disease in cats., Design: Prospective study., Animals: 441 cats evaluated at a veterinary teaching hospital., Procedures: Urine samples from cats for which a complete medical record was available were included. Urine dipstick results, urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (cutoffs, 0.1 and 0.4), semiquantitative and quantitative microalbuminuria assay results (cutoff, 1 mg/dL), and UAC ratio values (cutoffs, 100 and 200 mg/g) were determined. Clinical diagnoses determined within 3 months of enrollment were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity were determined with disease status used as the standard. The influences of clinical diagnosis, sex, age, serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, blood pressure, bacterial urine culture results, rectal temperature, pyuria, hematuria, and bacteriuria were evaluated by means of logistic regression., Results: Of 441 cats that were eligible for inclusion, 40 were healthy and 401 had > or = 1 disease. Results of logistic regression indicated that significant associations existed for age, presence of disease, presence of urinary tract disease, azotemia, hematuria, and pyuria and results of 1 or both of the microalbuminuria assays., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Microalbuminuria was associated with underlying disease. Sensitivity and specificity of the microalbuminuria assays for detection of systemic disease were superior to those of other tests. Microalbuminuria testing in conjunction with other screening procedures may increase identification of occult disease. A prospective study evaluating the predictive values of screening tests with and without microalbuminuria determination is needed to validate this recommendation.

The interaction between oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prednisolone administered concurrently for 30 days was studied in 18 healthy dogs divided into 3 groups of 6 dogs each: a drug-free negative control group (NC group) given 2 gelatin capsules; a group given meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) (MP group); and a group given a reduced dosage of ketoprofen (0.25 mg/kg, p.o.) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) (KP group). The dogs were periodically monitored by physical examinations, blood analyses, endoscopic examinations, fecal occult blood tests, renal function tests [effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)], urinalyses [urinary sediments, and urinary micro-albumin to creatinine ratio (UAlb/Cre)], urinary enzyme indices, and haemostatic function tests [buccal mucosa bleeding time (BMBT), cuticle bleeding time (CBT)]. Significant changes were observed in the KP group, including a decrease of ERPF and GFR, an increased UAlb/Cre ratio, prolonged BMBT and CBT, as well as the presence of more severe grades of endoscopic lesions and fecal occult blood. In both the MP and KP groups, abnormal enzymuria with exfoliation of renal tubular epithelial cells in the urine was found. However, no significant changes in any of the other tests were observed in the MP group compared with the NC group. These findings suggest that the combination of NSAIDs, even selective COX-2 inhibitors, with prednisolone may be contraindicated due to the potential for serious adverse effects on the kidneys, the platelets, and the gastrointestinal tract.

This study investigated the prevalence of bacterial pathogens of the urinary tract in Australian cats. Urine was collected by cystocentesis and subjected to urinalysis, bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. A total of 126 isolates were obtained from 107 culture-positive cats. Escherichia coli was most commonly isolated (37.3% of isolates) with the majority of isolates showing susceptibility to the 14 antimicrobials tested. Just over a quarter of isolates (27.0%) were Enterococcus faecalis, which showed resistance to cephalosporins and clindamycin. Staphylococcus felis, a previously unreported feline urinary tract pathogen which was susceptible to all antimicrobial agents tested, comprised 19.8% of the isolates. S. felis was significantly associated with urine that had a higher specific gravity (p=0.011) and pH (p=0.006) and was more likely to contain crystals (p=0.002) than urine from which other bacterial species were isolated. This is the first published study that associates the isolation of S. felis with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in cats.

Clinical signs of renal disorders in animals, including raptors, are not specific. Furthermore, serum or plasma biochemical parameters change only when 70% of kidney function is lost. In this study, reference values of urine variables were established in clinically healthy falcons. Urine samples were collected from 78 mature (> 1 year) and immature (6-12 months) male and female falcons belonging to 5 species. Droppings were assessed visually for urate color and consistency and color of the liquid urine. The liquid urine was collected by aspiration into a syringe and centrifuged, and the supernatant analyzed by commercial dipstick and by a wet chemistry analysis for alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glucose, chloride, and total protein concentrations. Sex, age, and species did not affect results of biochemical urine values (P > .05). Urine biochemical values did not differ significantly between fasted and fed birds. Total protein levels in urine samples decreased after 24-hour storage at 4 degrees C. Reference ranges for clinically normal birds are reported.

Many studies require collection of metabolic wastes from laboratory animals, and oftentimes it is important that feces and urine be collected separately. The authors describe an easily assembled and inexpensive device that can be used to collect urine samples from rats without any invasive operations. The device affords reasonable separation of feces and urine.

Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of 4 portable pH meters, a reagent strip, and pH paper for measuring urine pH in dogs., Design: Prospective masked randomized study., Sample Population: 201 free-catch urine samples from 114 hospitalized dogs., Procedures: Urine samples were divided into 2-mL aliquots. Measurements of urine pH were obtained by use of a laboratory benchtop pH meter, 4 portable pH meters, a urine reagent strip, and pH paper. The pH of each aliquot was measured within 4 hours of collection by an evaluator unaware of the aliquot's origin. To assess reproducibility, the coefficient of variation for each pH measurement device was calculated. To determine which device was most accurate, the degree of agreement among the different devices was assessed in comparison with the benchtop pH meter, which was considered the reference method., Results: 3 of the 4 portable pH meters had nearly perfect agreement with the reference method. The reagent strip and pH paper had moderate to poor agreement with the reference method., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Urine pH measurements should be made by use of a portable or benchtop pH meter when accurate measurements are crucial for diagnosis or treatment. Reagent strips and pH papers are useful in obtaining pH approximations but are not recommended when accurate measurements of urine pH are required.

A rapid and sensitive method was developed for the screening, quantification and confirmation of ethyl glucuronide (EG) and ethyl sulfate (ES) as biomarkers for alcohol administration to racehorses using liquid chromatography coupled on-line with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Urine sample aliquots (0.1 mL) were pre-treated by protein precipitation. Separation of EG and ES was achieved on an Ultra PFP column. Isocratic elution with a flush step was performed using 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (B). Analysis was performed by negative electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The retention times for EG and ES were 1.7 +/- 0.30 and 3.4 +/- 0.30 min, respectively. The internal standard used was d(5)-ethyl glucuronide with a retention time of 1.7 +/- 0.30 min. The entire separation was completed in <5 min. The limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) for both analytes were 100 ng/mL (S/N > or =3) and 500 ng/mL, respectively. The limit of confirmations (LOC) for EG and ES were 500 ng/mL and 1.0 microg/mL, respectively. The assay was linear over a concentration range of 0.5-100 microg/mL (r(2) > 0.995). Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were less than 15%. The analytes were stable in urine for 24 h at room temperature, 10 days at 4 degrees C and 21 days at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C. Ion suppression or enhancement due to matrix effect was negligible. The measurement uncertainty was <14% for EG and <25% for ES. This method was successfully used for the quantification of EG and ES in urine samples following alcohol administration to research horses and for screening and confirmation of EG and ES in urine samples obtained from racehorses post-competition. The method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and reliably reproducible., (Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To characterize serum biochemical abnormalities in goats with uroliths., Design: Retrospective case-control series., Animals: 107 male goats with uroliths and 94 male goats with various nonrenal diseases (controls)., Procedures: For male goats, results of serum biochemical analyses collected from 1992 through 2003 were retrieved from computerized records, as were signalment, clinical diagnoses, and discharge status. Results of analyses for BUN, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, Na, K, Cl, total CO2, anion gap, and glucose were compared between goats with uroliths and control goats., Results: Goats with uroliths had higher mean BUN, creatinine, total CO2, K, and glucose concentrations and lower mean phosphorus, Na, and Cl concentrations than control goats, with no difference in mean calcium concentration and anion gap. Goats with uroliths had higher frequency of azotemia, hypophosphatemia, hypochloridemia, and increased total CO2 and lower frequency of decreased total CO2 than control goats. Urolithiasis occurred more frequently in castrated males than in sexually intact males and in dwarf African breeds than in other breeds., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Goats with uroliths often had hypophosphatemia at admission. Hypochloridemic metabolic alkalosis was the most common acid-base disorder. Rupture in the urinary tract system was associated with increased prevalence of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Clinicians should be aware of these abnormalities when determining fluid therapy.

Eighteen of 38 captive okapi housed in the United States were found glucosuric by dipstick analysis. To confirm these findings, urine glucose concentrations of captive okapi from one collection (n = 10) were analyzed by two methods: urine dipstick analysis and quantitative analysis. Seven of these urine samples were positive for glucose by dipstick, with comparable glucose measurements by quantitative analysis. For a presumed normal control, okapi (n = 10) held in captivity within their native home range were tested for glucosuria by urine dipsticks; all were negative. Serum fructosamine (221-362 micromol/L) and insulin (9-45 pmol/L, 1.17-5.85 microU/ml) concentrations were determined from okapi (n = 6) with and without glucosuria with the use of results considered within normal limits for other ruminants. We conclude that glucosuria is a true finding in many apparently healthy captive okapi in the United States.

Objective: To assess effects over 12 weeks of bisection nephrotomy on renal function, size, and morphology in cats., Study Design: Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment., Sample Population: Ten adult female cats., Methods: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), determined by quantitative renal scintigraphy using (99m)Technetium-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, urinalysis, urine culture, and ultrasonographic measurement of renal size were performed preoperatively. Left or right nephrotomy (5 cats/group) was performed. Total and individual kidney GFRs were determined at 2, 28, and 84 days, ultrasonographic measurements at 28 and 86 days, and ultrasound-guided biopsy at 86 days., Results: No significant differences in mean GFR and kidney size of operated versus unoperated kidneys were observed. Individual GFR and renal size of all except 1 cat remained within normal limits. Two cats had evidence of transient ureteral obstruction in the immediate postoperative period. No significant, generalized histologic abnormalities were observed., Conclusions: Bisection nephrotomy in normal cats does not adversely affect renal function or morphology during the initial 12 weeks., Clinical Relevance: Bisection nephrotomy can be safely performed in normal feline kidneys without causing a significant deleterious effect on renal function. Studies in cats with pre-existing renal insufficiency are needed to ensure adverse effects would not occur in clinical cases where this surgical procedure is warranted.

Objectives: To identify an appropriate sampling technique(s) to accurately detect the bacteria causing urinary tract infections in dogs with urolithiasis., Methods: Twenty-one dogs with urolithiasis were included in the study. Three types of samples were taken from each dog. Urine was collected by cystocentesis, and a urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith were retrieved during cystotomy. The samples were then cultured on blood agar and MacConkey's agar to identify the bacteria associated with urinary tract infections., Results: Bacterial urinary tract infection was found in 16 cases (76.19 per cent). The most prevalent bacteria found to cause urinary tract infection were Escherichia coli (n=7), followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species (n=4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=2) and Proteus mirabilis (n=1). In the case of a positive urine culture, the same bacteria were also cultured from the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy alone or from both the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith. However, in the case of a negative urine culture, bacteria were found to be present in the urinary bladder mucosal biopsy or urolith cultures in 23.81 per cent of dogs. The uroliths that gave positive culture results were either infection-induced uroliths composed of struvite and calcium carbonate phosphate, ammonium acid urate only or metabolic uroliths composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate, or calcium phosphate only. All the uroliths that gave negative culture results were metabolic uroliths composed of calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate, and uric acid and calcium phosphate., Clinical Significance: When the culture from the urine obtained by cystocentesis is negative, cultures of urinary bladder mucosal biopsy and urolith are recommended in dogs with urolithiasis in order to accurately assess the microbiological status of the urinary tract.

Objective: To determine reference limits for urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes in Greyhound dogs., Methods: Urinary fractional excretion was calculated using a spot clearance method preceded by a 16 to 20 hour fast in 48 Greyhound dogs. Raw data analysed using the bootstrap estimate was used to calculate the reference limits., Results: The observed range for urinary fractional excretion in Greyhound dogs was 0.0 to 0.77% for sodium, 0.9 to 14.7% for potassium, 0 to 0.66% for chloride, 0.03 to 0.22% for calcium and 0.4 to 20.1% for phosphate. Expressed as percentages, the suggested reference limits for fractional excretion in Greyhound dogs are as follows: sodium < or = 0.72, potassium < or = 12.2, chloride < or = 0.55, calcium < or = 0.13 and phosphate < or = 16.5., Clinical Significance: Veterinary practitioners may use these reference limits for urinary electrolyte fractional excretion when investigating renal tubular disease in Greyhound dogs.

Background: Dextrose is commonly administered to postparturient dairy cows, which often have low plasma phosphorus concentration ([P]) as a result of anorexia and sudden onset of lactation. Intravenous (IV) dextrose administration causes hypophosphatemia in other species., Hypothesis: Bolus administration of dextrose to postparturient dairy cows results in a transient decrease in plasma [P]., Animals: Six healthy postparturient dairy cows., Methods: Using a crossover design, cows were administered 500 mL of 50% dextrose solution IV or a sham treatment. Plasma concentrations of glucose ([glucose]), immunoreactive insulin ([IRI]), and phosphorus were monitored for 12 hours after each treatment. Urine [P], [glucose], and volume and salivary [P] were also determined., Results: Plasma [glucose], [IRI], and [P] were stable during sham treatment. Plasma [P] decreased rapidly after dextrose administration, dropping by 35% in 1 hour and remaining below baseline for 90 minutes. Salivary [P], urine [P], and urine volume per hour remained stable after dextrose administration, but glucose was detected in urine for up to 6 hours. The amount of glucose excreted in urine in 12 hours (11.9+/-4.5 g) was less than 5% of the administered dose. Regression analysis revealed a stronger association between plasma [P] and [IRI] than between plasma [P] and [glucose], suggesting that hyperinsulinemia drove the hypophosphatemia., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Results indicate that low plasma [P] should be expected in cows that have received IV dextrose within 1 hour before blood sampling. Caution is advised when administering dextrose solution to cows already at risk of hypophosphatemia.

Sixteen Friesland heifer calves aged between 96 and 157 days were removed from a dairy farm that had been polluted with vanadium and randomly allocated into two equal groups (n = 8). The objective of the trial was to determine whether calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaNa(2)EDTA) could be used as a treatment for cattle running in environments high in background vanadium. The treatment group received 80 mg CaNa(2)EDTA per kg body weight intraperitonealy (i.p.) twice a week over a 10-week period. The control group received normal saline i.p. over the same period. During the trial calves were exposed to a daily intake of vanadium in the form of contaminated tef hay derived from the farm of origin. In addition, the total mixed ration was spiked with a further 20 mg V(2)O(5)/kg feed to compensate for possible on-farm inhalation exposure. A stochastic model was used to estimate daily intake of vanadium as a distribution function. The model estimated that the daily intake of vanadium varied between an absolute minimum of 33 mg/day to an absolute maximum of 124 mg/day. The average intake of vanadium was 71.8 mg per day per calf. Various chemical pathology parameters were measured throughout the trial as well as urine excretion rates of vanadium and lymphocyte stimulation counts. All calves were slaughtered and necropsied in cohorts of 4-6 animals at monthly intervals after completion of the trial and withdrawal of vanadium from the ration. Tissue concentrations of vanadium were determined and necropsy findings were noted. The study found that CaNa(2)EDTA appears to enhance the excretion of vanadium in calves, but could not prove that the treatment had a protective effect against vanadium exposure. Calves were able to tolerate the prolonged treatment with CaNa(2)EDTA without side-effects.