INFLUÊNCIA DA REFRIGERAÇÃO SOBRE O SUMÁRIO DE URINA EM CÃES HÍGIDOS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.2182509097

• Palavras-chave: Armazenamento, temperatura, urinálise

• Keywords: Storage; temperature; urinalysis

• Abstract: Urinalysis is essential for diagnosing numerous diseases by providing key information about urinary system function. The examination is divided into three components: physical assessment, chemical analysis, and evaluation of the urinary sediment. The method of collection and the interval between collection and analysis are critical to ensure reliable results. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of refrigeration on the characteristics of urine samples from clinically healthy dogs. A total of 10 mL of urine were collected from 20 dogs presented to the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU) for clinical care due to conditions unrelated to urinary tract disease. Urine was obtained by urinary catheterization using a plastic catheter of a gauge appropriate for each patient’s urethral diameter, attached to a 10 mL syringe. The material was transferred to a sterile, labeled container and sent to the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the HVU (Bom Jesus, PI). Physical (volume, color, odor, appearance, and specific gravity) and chemical (pH, protein, glucose, urobilinogen, bilirubin, and occult blood) analyses were performed. The first assessment (baseline control) was carried out within a maximum of 30 minutes after collection using fresh urine. The samples were then refrigerated at 2 to 8°C and re-evaluated 4, 8, and 24 hours after collection. The results showed no changes in any of the 20 samples for the variables studied. Therefore, it can be concluded that urine from clinically healthy dogs may be reliably evaluated up to 24 hours after collection, provided it is maintained under refrigeration at 2 to 8°C, without alterations in its physical and chemical characteristics.