Urinalysis in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris).

Abstract

To evaluate parameters and discuss findings of urinalysis conducted in non-captive, clinically healthy adult white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris). Twenty-five urine samples from different animals were analyzed: 15 from males and 10 from females, 14 obtained by spontaneous urination and 11 by cystocentesis. The analyses included physical, chemical, and sediment examinations. The results showed that 88% of the urine samples were citrine yellow, with urine specific gravity ranging from 1.019 to 1.084 and pH between 6 and 7. In the chemical analysis, there was no colorimetric reaction for parameters such as urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood, glucose, and ketone bodies, and few samples reacted for protein content. Regarding the sediment, red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria were observed in small numbers in most cases. No cylinders were found but triple phosphate crystals and bilirubin were detected in some samples. The results of urinalysis conducted in D. albiventris are similar to the data described in the literature for dogs and cats. Five cases of cystitis could be diagnosed, even though it was not possible to assess clinical signs, as done for domestic animals. These findings highlight the importance of a larger sample size to devise species-specific reference values. This work contributes to both future research and the clinical routine of professionals who treat this species.