The new SDMA test for kidney disease in cats can detect kidney failure months, maybe even years earlier than standard blood tests.
Exciting News! There’s a new test for kidney disease in cats and dogs. Last week, IDEXX Laboratories announced the introduction of the symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) that will detect feline and canine kidney loss months, maybe even years earlier than current screening.
The presently used blood panel won’t indicate elevated creatinine (waste products in the blood) levels until the cat has already suffered a 75% kidney function loss. According to IDEXX, the SDMA shows up in blood tests when there is only 25 to 40% kidney loss. IDEXX says the test should be run alongside BUN and creatinine panels and urinalysis.
By the time Balew started showing symptoms, she was already in end-stage kidney failure.
IDEXX plans to include the SDMA test in all routine lab test at no additional cost. IDEXX will begin offering SDMA screening to a small group of vets in March and will fully roll out the test this summer.
An Oregon State University study showed that SDMA identified kidney disease four years earlier in one animal. On average, the research SDMA detected kidney disease with only 40% function loss. In some cases, the animals had only suffered 25 percent of function loss. This will allow vets to discontinue any medications that may not be kidney friendly, switch the pet to a renal diet, increase fluid intake and monitor the kidneys more carefully. Early diagnosis and treatment may slow the progression of the disease.
Take your cat to the vet if you see symptoms of kidney disease
Symptoms of failing kidneys include: weight loss, loss of appetite, increased water consumption, as well increased urination, occasional vomiting, reoccurring bacterial bladder and kidney infections, mouth ulcers, bad breath, constipation, lethargy, and/or a brownish-appearing tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat (or dog) to the vet as soon as possible.
Fortunately with the new test vets should be able to catch kidney disease well before the onset of symptoms and before extreme kidney function loss.
I first heard about this test in June of 2015 and it wasn’t available at my vet for several months, but I recently had bloodwork done and it was tested. I’m thrilled.
Connie-
How much did the SDMA test cost?
Thanks!
Pamela
Pamela, I have used it many times since it became available. I was also super happy. It is included at no additional charge in any standard kidney panel.