Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in cats, especially as they age. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and ensuring a better quality of life for our feline companions. One of the most advanced tools for detecting kidney issues early is SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine). Let’s explore what SDMA is, why it’s important, and how it can be diagnosed quickly.
SDMA is a biomarker used to assess kidney function in cats. It reacts to kidney function decline much earlier than traditional indicators like Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) or Creatinine (Cre). While BUN and Cre levels typically rise after 70% of kidney function is lost, SDMA can detect issues when only 40% of kidney function is impaired.
Here's how SDMA compares to traditional markers:
SDMA increases approximately 9.8 months earlier than BUN.
SDMA rises about 17 months earlier than Cre.
By measuring SDMA levels, pet owners and veterinarians can identify kidney problems early and take steps to slow the progression of CKD.
CKD in cats is a chronic and progressive disease that can last for months or years. It’s characterized by a wide range of symptoms, such as weight loss, increased thirst, and decreased appetite, which makes it difficult to diagnose based solely on visible signs.
The importance of early diagnosis includes:
Better Treatment Options: Detecting CKD early allows for medical intervention to slow kidney function decline.
Improved Quality of Life: Early treatment reduces your cat’s discomfort, giving them more time with less pain.
Cost Savings: Managing CKD in its early stages is often less expensive than treating advanced stages of the disease.
According to studies, the prevalence of CKD increases with age:
Between 4% and 26% of cats are affected, depending on the study.
For cats over the age of 15, the prevalence rises to 49%.
SDMA has become an essential tool because it's highly sensitive and reliable:
Uninfluenced by Factors: Unlike other markers, SDMA levels are not significantly affected by a cat's age, gender, breed, or individual variations.
High Kidney Excretion: Over 90% of SDMA is excreted through the kidneys, making it a direct indicator of kidney health.
Helps in Disease Staging: SDMA levels can assist in determining the stage of CKD and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
For fast and reliable SDMA testing, we recommend the MigiBio Fluorescence Rapid Test. This method has several advantages:
Speed: Results are available in just 20 minutes.
Accuracy: Provides precise results comparable to laboratory testing.
Cost-Effective: Suitable for both pet owners and veterinary clinics.
With this quick and easy method, SDMA testing can be performed conveniently at home or in a clinic, making it accessible for regular kidney health monitoring.
Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition in cats, but early diagnosis with SDMA testing can make a significant difference. By acting early, you can manage the disease effectively, reduce your cat's suffering, and enjoy more happy moments together.
If you notice any signs of kidney issues in your cat, talk to your veterinarian about SDMA testing or try rapid testing solutions like MigiBio's method for quick results.
International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). (n.d.). SDMA and chronic kidney disease. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from http://www.iris-kidney.com
IDEXX Laboratories. (n.d.). Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): A novel biomarker for early kidney disease detection. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.idexx.com
Polzin, D. J. (2011). Chronic Kidney Disease in Small Animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 41(1), 15-30.
Stenvinkel, P., Painer, J., et al. (2018). Novel treatment strategies for chronic kidney disease: Insights from the animal kingdom. Nature Reviews Nephrology.
