SDMA Blood Testing for Dogs and Cats
What is SDMA in my pet's blood test report?
Symmetric Dimethylarginine, or SDMA, is an amino acid produced when proteins are broken down by cells. As it is mainly removed through the kidneys, SDMA has become an excellent biomarker for kidney function in pets. SDMA testing is becoming increasingly vital in veterinary medicine as an early indicator of kidney disease in dogs, cats, and other pets.
The two common kidney function markers in a standard veterinary blood test are Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Crea (Creatinine). BUN is produced when the liver breaks down ammonia from protein digestion, and Creatinine comes from the breakdown of muscle cells. These waste products are usually filtered out by the kidneys, so high levels in the blood indicate reduced kidney function.
BUN and creatinine usually only increase when the kidneys lose around 70% of their filtration capability, whereas increased levels of SDMA can be detected when this capacity decreases to about 40%. This makes SDMA an earlier marker of kidney disease in pets.
Benefits of SDMA Testing for Kidney Disease in Pets
SDMA testing has several advantages over traditional kidney function tests:
- Early Detection of Kidney Disease: As SDMA levels rise earlier than creatinine and BUN, it enables early detection of kidney disease in pets before the clinical symptoms manifest. This allows timely intervention and management to slow the disease progression.
- Less influence of diet and size: Unlike creatinine and BUN, SDMA is not as greatly influenced by high protein diets, increased activity, or the animal's size. For patients with small muscle mass or end-stage renal disease, serum creatinine levels can be within normal limits even when its renal function is impaired. None of these factors affect SDMA testing, which makes this a more sensitive monitor for renal health.
- Accurately Monitoring Kidney Function: Regular SDMA testing, combined with other kidney markers such as creatinine and urea, serves to enhance the veterinarian's ability to monitor kidney function. It aids in the early detection of subtle changes in kidney health and allows veterinarians to intervene, monitor, and slow down the progression of kidney disease.
SDMA Testing and Other Kidney Function Markers
When SDMA levels are raised, veterinarians will also check the levels of Creatinine and BUN. This helps in ascertaining whether the renal dysfunction is in the early or advanced stages. Confirmation through urinalysis is also often carried out to confirm the diagnosis as well as determine the severity of the disease. Other determinants include blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and the general outlook of the patient. Taken together, these diagnostic tools will allow your veterinarian to stage your pet's kidney disease and formulate an appropriate treatment plan so your pet can live a longer and healthier life.
Why Choose SDMA Testing at Vet Central?
At Vet Central, we provide the SDMA test as part of our comprehensive diagnostic services when it comes to kidney diseases in pets. Whether your pet is showing signs of kidney disease, or you wish to have its health monitored proactively, SDMA testing is one of the important tools in early detection. Working closely with a pet owner, we come up with personalized care and treatment plans to support the quality of life for your pet.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and let us help your pet's kidneys perform optimally. The sooner it is caught, the better one can manage kidney disease and improve the quality of life for your dear pet.
Learn More About Kidney Disease in Pets
For further information, you may refer to the following websites to understand more about kidney disease.
- Idexx SDMA testing: https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/reference-laboratories/sdma/why-sdma-matters/
- International Renal Interest Society (IRIS): http://www.iris-kidney.com/education/what_pet_owners_should_know_ckd.html