Prospective determination of the specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the specificity of a snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats presenting to a referral centre for diseases unrelated to snake envenomation. DESIGN: Urine was collected from 50 dog and 25 cats presented for investigation and treatment of diseases unrelated to snake envenomation. Urine was collected as a voided sample, by cystocentesis or by catheterisation, and routine urinanalysis was performed. Snake venom testing was performed within 2 h of collection using a commercially available snake venom detection kit, which was observed continuously during the 10-min colour reaction phase for evidence of a visible colour indicating a positive test. RESULTS: No false-positive reactions occurred in any sample analysed. CONCLUSION: The snake venom detection kit appears to have 100% specificity for using urine as a test sample.