Interpretation of the kidney SDMA test for pets

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi @everyone-

Here's the link to a nice article explaining some details of the SDMA test. This is a relatively new test that can sometimes be useful for helping diagnose early kidney problems:

SDMA | eClinpath

SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) is the amino acid, arginine, that contains two methyl groups (dimethyl) in a symmetrical orientation. SDMA is considered a sensitive and early marker (more sensitive than serum creatinine) of declining GFR in dogs and cats (Hokamp and Nabity 2016 review)...

eclinpath.com

However, like any other single test result, it is best interpreted along with BEAM and any other tests (which are just snapshots of internal symptoms of the inside of the body).

As with any test result, it is best interpreted dynamically over time (so that the static snapshots become more like dynamic movies).

 

[Dr. Christina]

With the advent of so many useful and new predictive tests, it is a reminder to get pet health insurance so you need not flinch from diagnostics!
Dr. Christina