Puddin, a dehydrated cat, has urine specific gravity of 1.060. This SG value is most consistent with dehydration?

Puddin, a dehydrated cat, has urine specific gravity of 1.060. This SG value is most consistent with dehydration?

• A. 1.060
• B. 1.002
• C. 1.012
• D. 1.030

Answer: (A)

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is. When a cat is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water and produce highly concentrated urine, so the SG rises. A value of 1.060 indicates very concentrated urine, which fits dehydration as the body is trying to minimize water loss. Lower values (very dilute urine) would suggest good hydration or excessive water intake, while a moderately high value could occur for other reasons, but the highest concentration here most strongly points to dehydration.

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is. When a cat is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water and produce highly concentrated urine, so the SG rises. A value of 1.060 indicates very concentrated urine, which fits dehydration as the body is trying to minimize water loss. Lower values (very dilute urine) would suggest good hydration or excessive water intake, while a moderately high value could occur for other reasons, but the highest concentration here most strongly points to dehydration.