Assessing Kidney Function

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is the gold standard for assessing kidney function, but this diagnostic is cumbersome and practitioners rarely perform this test. Historically, kidney function has been evaluated by determining a patient's urea and creatinine levels, but SDMA testing is a more sensitive indicator of kidney function.^1,2,5 This is because during protein degradation, SDMA is released into a patient's blood and their kidneys excrete this biomarker.

SDMA testing has many benefits and is more sensitive and reliable than creatinine and urea.^1-5 Understanding changes in a patient's kidney function has implications that extend far beyond chronic kidney disease (CKD).

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Why Test for SDMA in Unwell Patients?

The kidneys play an integral role in overall health and, therefore, fully understanding kidney function is a key pillar of medical assessment. Because SDMA concentration increases before creatinine or urea, it provides a more sensitive evaluation of a patient's kidney health.^2,5

When a patient presents to your veterinary practice for a medical issue, assessing their kidney health is critical so you can make informed and directed medical decisions. If primary kidney dysfunction is present, early identification and intervention may lead to a better prognosis and improved quality of life. When other illnesses are present, evaluating your patient's kidney status can affect your treatment choices and long-term follow-up plans. It is also why it is recommended for wellness testing. 

Understanding kidney status can affect treatment decisions and prognosis, especially when concurrent illness is present. Overall, SDMA can contribute to the evaluation of unwell patients in medical cases or during a procedure, and it ultimately provides additional confidence for clinical decisions, treatment and care and communication with pet owners.

Why Is SDMA Important for CKD Evaluation?

CKD is common in pets, especially as they age, and early diagnosis is key to slowing the disease's progression and improving pets' quality of life. SDMA should be considered an integral part of the assessment in every unwell patient.

The symptoms of CKD can be subtle, and in some cases, the pet exhibits no clinical signs, but the disease can contribute to acute or chronic events that cause significant health complications^18,39. Cats have a high prevalence of CKD, with more than 60% of cats over 9 years of age affected; diagnosis and treatment in dogs is also extremely important^5,40,41.

Many management tools are available to help diagnose and treat kidney disease in dogs and cats. Once the pet has a confirmed CKD diagnosis as the primary disease without any treatable secondary causes, International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) CKD staging should be performed to help guide treatment. IRIS – a multinational board composed of independent veterinary surgeons who have a special interest in veterinary nephrology – recognises SDMA testing as a valuable tool to help detect CKD in dogs and cats. In addition, IRIS includes SDMA values in its guidelines to stage CKD. SDMA can be used to monitor the pet's condition and help expand understanding of kidney health over the course of the disease. SDMA testing is recommended when diagnosing, treating and monitoring CKD in cats and dogs.

Strengthen the Pillar

Kidneys play an essential role in patient health, so keeping a close eye on them can ensure better, longer lives for your clients' furry friends. With this in mind, make SDMA testing an integral part of your practice's routine health checks and strengthen this pillar of overall health.

References: https://www.thevetiverse.com/en/latest/sdma-references/