Urine cortisol-creatinine and protein-creatinine ratios in urine samples from healthy dogs collected at home and in hospital

Abstract

Background: Recently, urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPC) were shown to be lower in urine samples from dogs collected at home (AH) as compared to those collected in hospital (IH). Stress-inducing procedures and travel to the hospital have been hypothesized to cause prerenal proteinuria. Objectives: Evaluate patient stress using urine cortisol:creatinine ratios (UCCr) and correlate UCCr to UPC in urine samples obtained AH and IH. Animals: Thirty-six healthy, client-owned dogs. Methods: Prospective, non-masked study. Two voided urine samples were obtained (AH and IH). Complete urinalysis as well as UPC and UCCr were performed. Clients graded their dogs' stress level AH, in transport, and IH. Results: The UCCr was significantly higher in IH samples than in AH samples (P