Applicability of leukocyte esterase test strip in detection of canine pyuria

A commercially available leukocyte esterase assay was evaluated for application in analyzing canine urine for the detection of pyuria. In 229 urine samples, the leukocyte esterase activity was compared with leukocyte concentrations, as assessed by microscopic sediment analysis and chamber cell counts. The leukocyte esterase assay was specific (93.2%) for canine pyuria, but was poorly sensitive (46.0%) and did not appear to be applicable to analysis of canine urine samples.