If toxins in the kidneys build up to a level where your furkiddo feels ill, they have a condition called uremia. Keeping them below the uremia level means that they will feel pretty normal and can maintain a long and happy life.
The most important indicator of uremia is elevated levels of the compound creatinine. Creatinine is a by-product of muscle break-down and is typically in small amounts in the blood. The kidney consistently removes it unless there is a renal function issue. We are able to figure out the severity of the kidney disease by looking at creatinine blood levels.
A newer parameter called SDMA (symmetrical dimethylarginine) becomes abnormal much sooner than creatinine does and is becoming more commonly recorded. Another marker is the blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This measure is similar to creatinine but is influenced by dietary protein and kidney function. These three markers are essential to determining and managing the severity of your furry friend’s kidney health concerns.
Depending on the stage of the kidney disease, we recommend changing the diet (to a renal-friendly diet) and adding supplements.