Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

If Sammy had noticed an increased specific gravity, what condition could it NOT indicate?

1. Chronic renal disease

2. Dehydration

3. Diabetes mellitus

4. Hemoconcentration

The correct answer is: Chronic renal disease

Increased specific gravity of urine indicates a higher concentration of solutes, which typically suggests that the kidneys are functioning to concentrate urine. Dehydration increases specific gravity because the body retains water, leading to more concentrated urine. Hemoconcentration, or a higher concentration of cells and solids in the blood, also results in higher specific gravity for similar reasons. In cases of diabetes mellitus, particularly when urine is concentrated due to hyperglycemia and the resultant osmotic diuresis, specific gravity can be elevated in the initial stages or when the animal is adequately hydrated. Chronic renal disease, on the other hand, is often characterized by the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine effectively as the disease progresses. In this condition, one would typically expect decreased specific gravity rather than increased, as the kidneys lose their ability to reabsorb water effectively. Thus, if Sammy noticed an increased specific gravity, chronic renal disease would not be indicated, as such a finding contradicts the expected physiological response of the kidneys in this condition.