Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity in older cats. Early indicators of kidney damage include a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and impaired urine concentrating ability. Later indicators include azotemia, with increased serum creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations. Using the serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) test, it is now possible to identify these cats with CKD before azotemia develops.1 Early recognition of CKD is desirable in order to initiate renoprotective interventions, such as dietary modifications that might slow its progression. We have previously reported that nonazotemic cats with increased serum SDMA (early CKD) when fed a food designed to promote healthy aging are more likely to demonstrate stable kidney function compared with cats fed owners-choice foods. Cats fed owner's-choice foods were more likely to demonstrate progressive kidney disease based on increasing SDMA concentrations.
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