VLD 411: Veterinary Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnosis - I (0+1)

INTRODUCTION

• The important functions of kidneys include
  • Maintenance and adjustment of body fluid, osmolality, volume, electrolyte and acid- base balance
  • Excretion of metabolic waste and foreign substances 
  • Production of hormones such as renin, 1-25- dihydroxy cholecalciferol and erythropoietin
• Dysfunction of kidneys may result in renal diseases. Patients with renal diseases or failure often reveal non-specific signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, vomition, anorexia, oral ulcers, and edema. Renal diseases can easily be detected with haemogram, serum chemistry profile and urinalysis. In particular blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations when mixed with urinalysis are often diagnostic for renal failure.
• The purpose of the urinalysis is to assess the health of the kidneys , liver and metabolic disorders .
• The urine sample can be preserved in the refrigerator or a drop of toluene or a crystal of thymol can be added. If the structure of the cells and casts is to be maintained in the sediment, then add a drop of 40 per cent formalin to one ounce of urine.