Accuracy of urine dipstick tests and urine glucose-to-creatinine ratios for assessment of glucosuria in dogs and cats.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of automated readings of urine dipstick results for assessment of glucosuria in dogs and cats, compare visual versus automated readings of urine glucose concentration, and determine the utility of the urine glucose-to-creatinine ratio (UGCR) for quantification of glucosuria.

Sample: 310 canine and 279 feline urine samples.

Procedures: Glucose concentration was estimated in 271 canine and 254 feline urine samples by visual assessment of urine dipstick results and with an automated dipstick reader.

Effect of blood contamination on results of dipstick evaluation and urine protein-to-urine creatinine ratio for urine samples from dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of blood contamination on dipstick results, specific gravity (SG), and urine protein-to-urine creatinine ratio (UPCR) for urine samples from dogs and cats. SAMPLE Urine samples collected from 279 dogs and 120 cats. PROCEDURES Urine pools were made for each species (dogs [n = 60] and cats [30]).

Automated in-clinic hematology instruments for small animal practitioners: what is available, what can they really do, and how do i make a choice?

The decision to purchase an in-office hematology instrument is typically based on the desire to have immediate access to complete blood count (CBC) data for disease diagnosis and follow-up and perhaps add to the financial bottom line of your practice. The decision regarding which in-office hematology instrument to purchase requires comparison of available instruments, how they function and knowledge of their strengths and limitations, what analytes they report, their ease of use, and their initial and continued costs. Other considerations include instrument space requirements, ability to interact with your existing data management system, the methods used by analyzers, and data accuracy.