Definition

• Tyrosine is a white crystalline amino acid. Tyrosine crystals that appear in canine or feline urine are small deposits that may impede the animal's ability to urinate normally.
  
  

Symptoms

• Animals with tyrosine crystals in their urine may have trouble urinating and feel the need to urinate frequently. Blood in the urine and excessive thirst are also symptoms.
  
  

Test

• A pH dipstick is submerged briefly in the animal's urine to measure the acidity levels. To further examine the urine, a veterinarian must view a urine sample under the microscope to determine if tyrosine crystals are present.
  
  

Significance

• The presence of tyrosine crystals in cat or dog urine could indicate severe liver problems that will need to be closely monitored by your veterinarian.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Animals with tyrosine crystals in their urine must adhere to a strict diet that usually consists of a veterinarian-prescribed dry food; they may also be prescribed medication to maintain pH levels.