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by AIR on 15 March 2009 - 00:03
My dog had a U/A done yesterday. Results came back 2+ for Protein and the Specific Gravity was 1.056
What does the elevated protein level mean? I was told if the SG were any lower, there would be cause for concern, but at this time we will just monitor it.
What does the elevated protein level mean? I was told if the SG were any lower, there would be cause for concern, but at this time we will just monitor it.
by hodie on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
I would not get too excited over this just yet. You don't say why you had this done, but the collection and measurement can differ and give results slightly out of kilter. How old is the dog and what was the reason for the test?
by AIR on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
I work at the clinic and did it as a wellness check and also because it costs me basically nothing ;)
by Louise M. Penery on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
Low SG means that the dog's kidneys are not concentrating urine well.
Renal proteinuria is a sign of early renal disease--indicating damage primarily to the glomeruli. Whether the proteinuria is is pre-renal, renal, or post-renal, it is not a healthy signalment. Proteinuria of 2+ (if it persists) requires treatment (either medical and/or dietary).
Higher omega-3 diets (as in salmon oil) leads to lower proteinuria.
Good luck.
Renal proteinuria is a sign of early renal disease--indicating damage primarily to the glomeruli. Whether the proteinuria is is pre-renal, renal, or post-renal, it is not a healthy signalment. Proteinuria of 2+ (if it persists) requires treatment (either medical and/or dietary).
Higher omega-3 diets (as in salmon oil) leads to lower proteinuria.
Good luck.
by AIR on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
According to the vet, his Specific Gravity is in normal range. IF it were lower (1.018 or so) then it would cause for concern.
by hodie on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
"Specific gravity measures the concentrating ability of the kidney tubules. It is the ratio of the weight of urine to the weight of an equal volume of water. Normal values range from 1.001-1.060 in most of our domestic animals. If the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine the specific gravity will approach that of the glomerular filtrate, at 1.010. Hydration status will be reflected in urine specific gravity, therefore do not base profound observations of the renal concentrating ability on one specific gravity result."
" Protein in the urine is a difficult assessment to make. It is a qualitative measurement rather than a quantitative measurement, and interpretation can vary between technicians. Protein should always be evaluated with knowledge of urine specific gravity. Concentrated dog and cat urine can contain small amounts of proteins. Proteinuria is always more significant in dilute urine. In significantly dilute urine, false negatives are possible. False positives for protein can occur in alkaline urine. In these cases, the sulfosalicylic acid test should be performed. The most accurate determination of proteinuria is the protein:creatinine ratio. Tubular concentration of urine increases the urinary protein and urinary creatinine concentrations equally so that the ratio remains constant whether the urine is concentrated or dilute. This ratio is normally less than 1. Proteinuria can be caused by inflammation, hemorrhage, or protein losing nephropathies."
Vetmedicine
" Protein in the urine is a difficult assessment to make. It is a qualitative measurement rather than a quantitative measurement, and interpretation can vary between technicians. Protein should always be evaluated with knowledge of urine specific gravity. Concentrated dog and cat urine can contain small amounts of proteins. Proteinuria is always more significant in dilute urine. In significantly dilute urine, false negatives are possible. False positives for protein can occur in alkaline urine. In these cases, the sulfosalicylic acid test should be performed. The most accurate determination of proteinuria is the protein:creatinine ratio. Tubular concentration of urine increases the urinary protein and urinary creatinine concentrations equally so that the ratio remains constant whether the urine is concentrated or dilute. This ratio is normally less than 1. Proteinuria can be caused by inflammation, hemorrhage, or protein losing nephropathies."
Vetmedicine
by BubbaJ on 15 March 2009 - 01:03
The presence of protein can be due to many reasons: infection, sample contamination. Proteinuria can also be transient (resolves without treatment) or persistent.
How old is your dog? Did your vet suggested BUN: creatinine test? I would also check blood sugar levels.
How old is your dog? Did your vet suggested BUN: creatinine test? I would also check blood sugar levels.
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