Urinalysis: protein

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Sections available in full article Overview, Uses, Sampling, Source of test material, Quantity of test material, Sample collection technique, Quality control, Test (s), Methodologies, Availability, Result data, Normal (reference) values, Abnormal values, Errors and Artifacts, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Kathleen P Freeman DVM MS PhD MRCVS

Overview

  • Urine from normal dogs may contain small amounts of protein.

Uses

Alone

  • To detect proteinuria Proteinuria :
    • Glomerulonephropathy Glomerulonephritis.
    • Myeloma.
    • Urinary tract infection Cystitis.
    • Urinary tract hemorrhage.

In combination

  • Useful to assess glomerular function Renal function assessment , hypoproteinemia Hypoproteinemia.
  • Serum protein Blood biochemistry: total protein to assess protein loss in conjunction with urine protein and creatinine to calculate the urine protein:creatinine ratio.

Result data

Normal (reference) values

Must interpret in conjunction with urine specific gravity Urinalysis: specific gravity

  • Normal Values:
    • If SG <1.020: negative.
    • If SG >1.035: <30 mg/dl.
    • Urine protein:urine creatinine ratio <0.6.
      Myelomas will not cause a positive reaction on dipstick.

Abnormal values

  • Urine protein:urine creatinine ratio >1 = protein loss >30 mg/kg/d.
    Hypertension, congestive heart failure, urinary tract inflammation or hematuria usually produce insignificant losses.
  • Nephrotoxic drugs, eg sulfonamide , aminoglycoside Gentamicin , cephaloridine.
  • Benign sediment and normal globulins or polyclonal gammopathy is usually due to glomerulonephropathies including systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus , sarcoptic mange Skin: sarcoptic mange , various neoplasias, ehrlichiosis Arthritis: rickettsial , pyometra Pyometra , chronic inflammatory disease.

Errors and Artifacts

  • Free flow or catheter sample.
  • Alkaline urine.
  • Concentrated urine.
  • Chlorhexidine.
  • Moisture on dipstick during storage.
  • Prolonged contact of dipstick with urine.


Must interpret in conjunction with urine specific gravity
  • False increase:
    • Chlorhexidine Chlorhexidine.
    • Moisture on dipstick during storage.
    • Prolonged contact of dipstick with excessive amounts of urine.
    • Alkaline urine (>pH9).

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Brobst D (1989) Urinalysis and associated laboratory procedures. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 19 (5), 929-949.
  • McCaw D L, Fleming E J & Mikiciuk M G (1989) Interpreting the results of urinalysis - a key to diagnosing renal disorders. Vet Med 84 (3), 281-286.

Other sources of information

  • Kaneko J J (1997) Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Harvey J W & Bruss M L (eds). Academic Press, Boston.
  • Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffy E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa University Press, Ames, Iowa.

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