Urine Specific Gravity

It has often been stated that the most important single test in a urinalysis is the determination of specific gravity. No other test gives as much information regarding kidney function in dogs as quickly while utilizing so little time and equipment, requiring only a urinometer. Veterinarians should purchase the infant size instrument since the quantity of urine obtained is often too small to float a large urinometer. It is wise to check any new instrument for accuracy using distilled water as a standard or some other liquid of known specific gravity.