Retrospective evaluation of lipiduria in urine from 140 dogs and 74 cats.

BACKGROUND

Lipiduria has recognized physiopathological and diagnostic relevance in human medicine, while data regarding its relevance in animals remain limited.

HYPOTHESIS/

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of lipiduria in dogs and cats and to assess whether lipiduria represents an epiphenomenon or is associated with animal-related factors.

ANIMALS: Urinalysis results from 140 dogs and 74 cats.

METHODS

Retrospective study. Cases were included if complete urinalysis data were available. Animals were classified as lipiduric or non-lipiduric. Animal characteristics, as well as selected hematologic and urinary abnormalities, were compared between groups. In dogs, factors potentially associated with the presence of lipiduria were further evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 58% (125/214) animals were lipiduric, including 46% (64/140) dogs and 82% (61/74) cats. Lipiduria was significantly more frequent in cats (82%) than in dogs (46%) (P < .00001). Among cats, lipiduric individuals were older (mean age 9.5 years; SD ± 4.5; P = .02). In dogs, females (63%; 40/64) were overrepresented in the lipiduric group (P = .0008). Lipiduric dogs had a higher mean urine pH (6.4; SD ± 1.2; P = .00054) and more frequently exhibited struvite crystalluria (17%; 11/64; P = .003). In multivariable analysis, female dogs had 3.5-fold higher odds of lipiduria (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.7-7.3), and the odds of lipiduria increased by 5% for each 0.1-unit increase in urine pH.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL

IMPORTANCE

Lipiduria was a common finding in this study, particularly in cats. In dogs, our findings suggest a potential link between lipiduria, female status, and high urine pH.