Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Which condition might prompt a veterinarian to test for specific gravity in urine?

1. Dehydration

2. Flu

3. Joint pain

4. Diarrhea

The correct answer is: Dehydration

Testing for specific gravity in urine is primarily conducted to assess the concentration of solutes in the urine, which is an important indicator of kidney function and hydration status. Dehydration affects the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, which in turn influences specific gravity readings. When a patient is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water, resulting in more concentrated urine and a higher specific gravity. Thus, evaluating urine specific gravity can help a veterinarian determine if a pet is dehydrated and guide appropriate treatment. In contrast, while conditions like the flu, joint pain, and diarrhea can impact a pet's overall health, they do not primarily relate to assessments of kidney function or hydration status in the same direct manner that dehydration does.