|
|
Post by Dee on Oct 31, 2014 9:04:37 GMT 10
Hi tom, what is the best way to test ph levels-would urine sticks suffice and secondly what's best way to bring up and bring down ph, thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom Meulman on Oct 31, 2014 19:08:58 GMT 10
Hi Dee,
Most urine test strips will provide an accurate measurement of the urine pH, and while this does provide some information in regard to the health of the greyhound, in my honest opinion being able to measure the specific gravity of the urine is more important. This is best done with a correctly calibrated refractometer and provides a better picture of kidney function as well as to how the greyhound is coping with the stress of racing.
In regard to adjusting the pH of the urine, while giving the greyhound bicarb of soda would make the urine more alkaline, and adding the amino acid Methionine to the diet would make the urine more acidic it's just not that simple. When the pH of the urine goes out of balance there is a reason for this occurring, and the cause has to be found and corrected.
Urine pH also changes slightly from morning to night being slightly more acidic in the morning (a lower pH), and can change considerable after a hard run compared to when the greyhound has had only light exercise for a couple of days.
When it comes to testing the urine of a greyhound on a regular basis, checking the specific gravity and checking for blood or myoglobin in the urine is more important. Blood in the urine may indicate an infection or other health issues in regard to the urinary tract or kidneys, while myoglobin in the urine can indicate muscle damage as a result of an excessively hard run, and if severe enough could require urgent treatment to avoid this causing kidney damage.
Cheers,
Tom
|
|
