Potential stress markers in cat's urine

Abstract

The aim of this work was to perform analysis of biochemical indicators and to evaluate stress markers intensity and dynamic in cats urine. Biochemical indicators were determined and analysis was performed using urine analyzer URIT-50 in urine of three different stress level cats groups: household cats (stress-free), hospitalized (short-term stressful) and sheltered (long-term stressful) cats. The chromatographic analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph Clarus 680, PerkinElmer. Survey was based on the gas chromatographic analysis and sample preparation method by Sanja Grković with colleagues. The findings of stress markers in cat urine and their comparison was carried out and statistical analysis of acquired test results was evaluated. The quantity of leukocytes in all three cat groups was increased, traces of ketonic bodies were detected in two samples. Nitrites were indicated in only two urine samples of hospitalized cats. The value of urobilinogen fluctuates from normal to 66 μmol/l, while bilirubin was found in only one of 26 samples. The amount of protein in urine samples varies up to ≥3.0 g/l, while glucose prints were indicated in only two hospitalized cats urine samples. Urine relative density varies from 1.010 to ≥1.030, while pH – from 5.5-8.5. Traces of blood was detected in five samples. While analyzing cat urine chromatograms the main peaks were observed at 28th and 32nd minute, at 7th minute the peak of malon acid was recognized. The most intensive peaks were noticed in the urine of house hold cats, lower intensity – sheltered cats, lowest intensity – hospitalized cats. The results and their fluctuations of urine biochemical indicators do not depend on catecholamines metabolite homovanillic (HVA) acid, vanillylmandelic (VMA) acid and the quantity of their alteration. Since dopamine and its metabolite homovanillic acid was not found, we can make an assumption that this substance is absent in cat organism.