Common Medical Techniques and Procedures: Urinalysis

Introduction

This section was designed to provide you with a basic look into urinalysis for leopard geckos.

Why may urinalysis be necessary for your leopard gecko? Urinalysis can help you and your veterinarian better assess and understand the medical problems that your gecko may be experiencing. It is often one of several useful medical techniques and diagnostic tools available at your veterinarians disposal.

One of the difficulties in obtaining accurate results, is to collection of a urine sample that is actually free of fecal matter. Leopard gecko urine takes the form of urates which tend to be chalky and white in appearance. It is common to see this white mass accompanied with a small amount of fluid/liquid.

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common medical techniques and procedures.

What Is Examined?

Here is a brief overview of some of the key indicators that your veterinarian may examine more closely during routine urinalysis:

Colour.
- For example, yellowish or green urates could signify liver disease.
Protein
Blood
Glucose
PH
Ketones

With the use of a microscope, your veterinarian may also check for:

Bacteria
The formation of crystals.
Blood cells
and more...