Why is urine considered useful for diagnosing systemic diseases?

Urine is particularly useful for diagnosing systemic diseases because its composition provides a wide range of biochemical information that can reflect the overall health of an individual. The substances found in urine, including metabolites, proteins, and other solutes, can indicate how well various organs are functioning and whether there are any underlying systemic issues. For example, the presence of glucose may suggest diabetes, while abnormal levels of protein can indicate kidney disease.

Analyzing urine allows healthcare professionals to gather insights into the body's metabolic state, hydration status, and even possible infections or inflammatory processes. This non-invasive sampling method can reveal a lot about the patient’s health, making urine a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine and human health alike.