Urinanalysis
Urinalysis: A urine sample can provide information about several organ
systems. The concentration, color, clarity and microscopic examination of the
urine sample can provide diagnostic information. The urine is examined for sediment
which may contain blood, bacteria, bladder wall cells or abnormal cells which
could help indicate the nature of a problem.
Urine may be obtained by catching a sample during normal urination, by passing
a catheter into the bladder or by placing a small needle through the body wall
into the bladder, a procedure called cystocentesis. Depending upon why the urine
sample is being collected, one collection method may be preferred over another.
Inquire at the time you make an appointment for veterinary care if a urine sample
may need to be collected. Preventing your pet from urinating prior to the appointment
will assure that your pet’s bladder will contain urine for sampling.
Pictures show sediment at various magnifications from the urine of a cat who
had a bladder blockage