I've seen a couple posts online recently about foamy urine, so I thought I'd put some information together...
Foamy, bubbly, or frothy urine can be a symptom of proteinuria, which simply put is excess protein leaking into the urine. Proteinuria is something veterinarians look for because it can indicate or worsen kidney damage over time. In this post, understanding staging guidelines for CKD, the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) calls out urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) as something to look at alongside creatinine, SDMA, blood pressure, and other markers.
Some examples:
Other symptoms to look for alongside foamy urine as they relate to proteinuria:
Foamy, frothy, or bubbly urine can sometimes occur with proteinuria, but it seems like foam alone is nonspecific and can also occur for many unrelated reasons.
As always, talk to your vet. I’ve seen this a few times with Pookey and am going to watch it more closely. There are treatments depending on the root cause.
It's in my head, but as I'm writing this post I keep getting whiffs of litter
Foamy, bubbly, or frothy urine can be a symptom of proteinuria, which simply put is excess protein leaking into the urine. Proteinuria is something veterinarians look for because it can indicate or worsen kidney damage over time. In this post, understanding staging guidelines for CKD, the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) calls out urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) as something to look at alongside creatinine, SDMA, blood pressure, and other markers.
Some examples:
Other symptoms to look for alongside foamy urine as they relate to proteinuria:
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst/urination
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Strong stream hitting litter or litter box
- Dehydration
- Recently cleaned litter boxes
- Certain litter types
- Temporary urine variation with no disease present
- Urinary tract infection
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Other less common diseases (liver, heart, etc.)
Foamy, frothy, or bubbly urine can sometimes occur with proteinuria, but it seems like foam alone is nonspecific and can also occur for many unrelated reasons.
As always, talk to your vet. I’ve seen this a few times with Pookey and am going to watch it more closely. There are treatments depending on the root cause.
It's in my head, but as I'm writing this post I keep getting whiffs of litter