Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the utility of urinalysis and dipstick results in predicting leptospiruria in dogs. Ninety dogs, regardless of health status, were included in this study since January to August 2008. All the dogs went through a complete physical examination, and urine samples were collected by catheter or by cystocentesis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on urine samples to detect leptospiral DNA. Urinalysis was done at the same time. Of the 90 dogs included in the study, 28 (31%) were diagnosed as shedding leptospires in their urine. In terms of urinalysis test results, no significant difference was found between dogs with or without leptospiruria. Indeed, most of the dogs with positive PCR assay had normal urinalysis findings. The present study suggests that using urinalysis or dipstick is not recommended for screening the dogs that are actively shedding leptospires in their urine.
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Khorami, N., Malmasi, A., Zakeri, S. et al. Screening urinalysis in dogs with urinary shedding of leptospires. Comp Clin Pathol 19, 271–274 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-009-0856-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-009-0856-1