Clinical signs of renal disorders in animals, including raptors, are not specific. Furthermore, serum or plasma biochemical parameters change only when 70% of kidney function is lost. In this study, reference values of urine variables were established in clinically healthy falcons. Urine samples were collected from 78 mature (>1 year) and immature (6–12 months) male and female falcons belonging to 5 species. Droppings were assessed visually for urate color and consistency and color of the liquid urine. The liquid urine was collected by aspiration into a syringe and centrifuged, and the supernatant analyzed by commercial dipstick and by a wet chemistry analysis for alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glucose, chloride, and total protein concentrations. Sex, age, and species did not affect results of biochemical urine values (P > .05). Urine biochemical values did not differ significantly between fasted and fed birds. Total protein levels in urine samples decreased after 24-hour storage at 4°C. Reference ranges for clinically normal birds are reported.
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1 March 2007
Urinalysis as a Noninvasive Health Screening Procedure in Falconidae
Rea Tschopp,
Tom Bailey,
Antonio Di Somma,
Christudas Silvanose
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Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery
Vol. 21 • No. 1
March 2007
Vol. 21 • No. 1
March 2007
Avian
biochemistry
bird of prey
Falconidae
kidney
urinalysis
urine