Bilirubinuria is considered a normal finding in which species?

Bilirubinuria is considered a normal finding in which species?

• A. Dogs
• B. Cats
• C. Horses
• D. Sheep

Answer: (A)

Bilirubinuria means bilirubin appears in the urine. In most species, bilirubin in urine signals a problem with liver function or bile flow because bilirubin must be processed by the liver and then excreted into bile. Dogs are an exception: small amounts of conjugated bilirubin can be present in their urine even when liver function is normal, so a trace level may be considered normal. In cats, horses, and sheep, any detectable bilirubinuria is more likely to indicate an underlying issue such as cholestasis, hemolysis, or hepatic disease, rather than a normal finding.

Bilirubinuria means bilirubin appears in the urine. In most species, bilirubin in urine signals a problem with liver function or bile flow because bilirubin must be processed by the liver and then excreted into bile. Dogs are an exception: small amounts of conjugated bilirubin can be present in their urine even when liver function is normal, so a trace level may be considered normal. In cats, horses, and sheep, any detectable bilirubinuria is more likely to indicate an underlying issue such as cholestasis, hemolysis, or hepatic disease, rather than a normal finding.