Diagnostic urinary biomarkers are the wave of the future, according to Leigh Perry, VMD, DACVIM, BluePearl, Virginia Beach, VA. In a presentation at CVC Virginia Beach, Perry shared how urinary biomarkers are changing the game. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) markers can be detected earlier than other indicators of chronic kidney disease, leading to faster management. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations have historically been used to diagnose kidney disease.
Source: Vetted, June 24, 2016.
SDMA is methylated arginine similar in size to creatinine. The kidneys are the main source of SDMA excretion, and it is not reabsorbed by the tubules. SDMA concentrations appear to be unaffected by age, sex, muscle mass, liver disease, heart disease or hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, Dr. Perry says. She notes that, in comparison, SDMA has less variability than creatinine. Creatinine concentrations vary with breed, age, muscle mass, dietary protein intake, tubular secretion of creatinine, sex, certain medications, interfering substances and size of the dog.