Blood testing is a huge part of veterinary medicine and can be crucial in reaching many diagnoses. Not only that, it can be used as a monitoring tool as well as helping to tailor treatment to that specific animal.

If your pet has ever had a blood test taken, your vet will likely have talked you through the results afterwards. As a vet, explaining complex medical terms to owners is a part of our everyday job; but nevertheless, many people can find the large amount of information overwhelming, especially when it is explained over the phone. This article will focus on what SDMA is and what it means if it’s high on your dog’s blood test. If your vet has ever mentioned a ‘raised SDMA result’ when talking about your pet’s results or you’re just curious to know more, read on. 

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What is SDMA?

On a blood test panel, there are usually a few different measurements related to each of the body systems that help us see how well those systems are functioning, otherwise known as ‘biomarkers’. The SDMA biomarker is related to the kidneys, or renal system which is vital in filtering unwanted waste products out of the body. 

SDMA is an amino acid (small molecules that form proteins when combined) that circulates in the blood. It is produced by cells at a constant rate and is filtered out by the kidneys. SDMA is the most accurate way to measure the filtration rate (how much blood is filtered) of the kidneys; which reflects exactly how well they are working.  

SDMA testing is fairly new in the veterinary industry. It was launched by IDEXX laboratories in 2015, with its use in everyday blood testing becoming more common in recent years. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) now also incorporates this value into their staging guidelines for chronic kidney disease, showing just how valuable it can be. 

Why is SDMA useful?

SDMA is a particularly useful test as it can diagnose loss of kidney function much earlier than other kidney biomarkers such as creatinine. The value is also specific to kidney function. And less affected by non-kidney factors like body condition, old age and disease state. 

It’s useful to diagnose kidney disease early as this means we can investigate for any underlying causes as well as start management earlier and adapt any further treatments in order to protect the kidneys. Ultimately, implementing kidney disease management as soon as possible can help keep a pet comfortable and healthy for longer. 

What does it mean if my dog’s SDMA result is raised?

An increased SDMA result reflects an impaired filtration rate of the kidneys, one of the first signs of kidney disease. This may be a result of primary disease of the kidneys themselves or another condition which is having a secondary or knock-on effect on them. The result can also be affected by dehydration. 

If your dog’s SDMA is elevated, your vet may recommend testing a urine sample to investigate further. This can tell us a bit more about kidney function by how well the urine is being concentrated. And may show signs of an underlying problem such as an infection. If your dog has a raised SDMA but isn’t showing any other evidence of kidney disease, your vet may advise monitoring and repeating the test again at a later date. 

It’s important to remember that any value on a blood test should be interpreted alongside all of the other results as part of a bigger picture and every case will be different. 

What can be done if my dog has kidney disease?

Kidney disease is something that can be managed rather than cured. Many animals will lead happy lives with the correct management. Your vet will likely ‘stage’ kidney disease using some additional tests. ‘Staging’ kidney disease allows us to implement the correct monitoring for the future as well as give your pet the right treatment that it requires at that particular stage. This may involve starting a renal diet; which can support their kidneys better or reassessing any regular medication they are taking. Animals with kidney disease need regular monitoring; your vet will be able to outline your pets individual treatment and management plan with you. 

If you are worried about your pet or think they may have kidney problems, you should contact your vet. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action. 

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