A large percentage of senior cats and dogs develop Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) as it is sometimes known. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to pets living longer and experiencing good quality lives. Unfortunately, until recently, early detection of CKD was very difficult and diagnosis was usually in the latter stages of the disease. This was due to creatinine blood measurements did not show up until CKD had already shown adverse effects on kidney function.
Thanks to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. of Westbrook, Maine, as of their announcement July 13, 2015, there is now a kidney function test that can detect CKD months or years before irreversible damage occurs to the kidneys.
IDEXX Labs notes that 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 10 dogs will develop kidney disease, a leading cause of death in pets.
The test developed by researchers at the Lab is called symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). The cost of the test is the same as routine chemistry panels making it more easily available to pet owners.
Clinical studies at Texas A & M University and Oregon State University have shown that SDMA identifies CKD much earlier in its progression. This means that with early detection, treatment can add years free of pain and suffering to a pet’s life.
According to IDEXX Labs., more than 50,000 tests have been run on patients. Veterinarians say the pets in their are are benefitting immensely from SDMA testing.
For more information on SDMA, visit idexx.com/sdma or call 1-800-433-9987.
