Urinalysis

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Examination of urine from the avian patient presents some

obvious problems (collecting a large enough volume to analyze,

separating it from the fecal portion of the droppings, etc.),

but urine samples are of significant diagnostic value.  The

urine's physical (color, clarity, specific gravity, pH, etc.)

and biochemical properites (presence of protein, glucose, blood,

etc.) are analyzed.  The urine sample is centrifuged, and the

sediment is examined for its cellular debris (white and red

blood cells, lining cells of the urinary system, etc.),

crystals, and microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, etc).