Dog Urinalysis Cost
Urine analysis is a simple, inexpensive, fast, and non-invasive method for your pet that can provide important information about the health and integrity not only of the urinary tract but also of other vital organs.
How Much Does a Dog Urinalysis Cost?
Plan on spending anywhere between $40 and $70 for a dog urinalysis, without including the vet office examination fee which would be anywhere between $45 and $85, resulting in an entire cost of anywhere between $75 and $135. These cost estimates are influenced by some factors such as the method used to collect the urine, the vet clinic you choose, and the geographical location.
According to members of The Nest online forum, the cost of a dog urinalysis would be anywhere between $60 and $110.
Dog urinalysis details
The price estimates presented above will include collecting the sample and interpreting the results.
You might also like our articles about the cost of an echocardiogram, blood transfusion, or x-ray for your dog.
There are four parts of a dog urinalysis according to VCA Hospitals. Through this procedure, the color is evaluated, the pH and the density of the urine will be measured, the cells will be examined, and the chemical composition analyzed. In order to do it, the urine sample has to be spun around at a very high speed to allow the cells and the solid material to settle at the bottom. After that, this material is collected and analyzed at a microscope in a lab.
Methods to collect your dog’s urine
Catheterization
This method requires the utilization of a catheter that will be passed into the bladder through the urinary passage. The catheter has a syringe attached to it which will be withdrawn from the bladder. This method is used when the dog refuses to give a sample voluntarily.
Cystocentesis
In order to collect the urine from the bladder through this method, a sterile syringe and needle are used. Once the balder is full, the needle will pass through the abdominal wall and let the doctor collect a sample of urine. For detecting a bacterial infection this type of sample is used.
Free catch
As its name says, the free catch method implies attempting to collect the dog’s urine in a clean container when it has to go to the bathroom naturally. This is the single method that doesn’t involve any costs.
What are the extra costs?
Depending on the method you choose to collect your dog’s urine it will result in an extra cost. For instance, you should add another $60 to $110 to the final bill if you choose to collect the urine via a needle aspirate, via a urinary catheter, or through cystocentesis.
In case there are bacteria discovered in the sample, the vet will ask you to also perform a urine culture analysis in order to find out what bacteria caused the infection. If required, a sensitivity test will help the vet to see what kind of antibiotic should be used in order to get rid of the bacteria. When combined with a urinalysis, these two tests will add another $35 to $110 to the final bill.
For example, if there is a urinary tract infection found then the doctor will prescribe medication and so the cost will increase. Depending on the gravity of the infection, the cost of treating it will go up to $1,100.
In case of an emergency and when you need to take your dog to the clinic after hours, the costs will increase by 100% to 200%.
How can I save money?
The majority of the vet clinics are more than happy to help you with the payment in case you can not afford to pay the whole sum at once. They may allow you to pay a fixed rate monthly or offer some other type of financial assistance.
The cheapest way to have your dog’s urine tested is to collect it naturally. In case you already know that your vet is going to ask for a sample, you better try to collect it at home in a container and bring it to the clinic. Sampling is simple. Collect urine directly from the pet in a clean container (ask your veterinarian for the appropriate container). The dog’s urine profile is recommended to be performed regularly (at least once a year in healthy animals and more often in those with chronic diseases) or when urinary problems are suspected.
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