A New Test for Early Diagnosis of Renal Disease

Imagine the benefits of diagnosing chronic kidney disease months or even years earlier than what is currently possible. Until now, veterinarians used lab values, physical exam and an animal’s history to diagnose kidney disease. One in every three cats and one in ten dogs will be diagnosed with kidney disease in their lifetime, making this a major cause of death in our pets.
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a revolutionary new kidney function test and when evaluated alongside BUN, creatinine and urinalysis, makes it possible to intervene earlier and more effectively manage kidney disease. SDMA is excreted almost exclusively by the kidneys and can be an excellent tool in the evaluation of glomerular filtration rate. Other lab markers such as creatinine become elevated when three quarters of kidney function are already gone, which is simply too late in some situations. Elevations in SDMA are apparent long before that kind of damage is present, giving us more opportunity to intervene with treatment, many of which are easy to administer, very cost effective, and lead to a longer, happier life.
SDMA testing has become the new gold standard for early intervention and superb wellness care and is only available through a national veterinary laboratory. At Copper Hill Animal Clinic, we fight against kidney disease on a daily basis so when our doctors heard about this test we made certain we would have it available to our clients the very moment it became available to us. Ask your veterinarian if they are screening SDMA when they run your pet’s bloodwork. It could change your pet’s life.
Please call Copper Hill Animal Clinic at 661-296-8848 to schedule an appointment.