What I Learned About My Cat's Kidney Failure

Name: What I Learned About My Cat's Kidney Failure
Item: Veterinary Services: SDMA Analysis for Cats and Dogs
Rating: 5
Author: sarahm_lee

summarizeEditor's Summary

When my cat Murzhasha was diagnosed with kidney disease, we thought all hope was lost. But we refused to give up. We tried every treatment under the sun, from traditional medicine to Ayurveda, and even ran countless ultrasounds on her kidneys. The high white blood cell count and unclear kidney function left us searching for answers. That's when we discovered the SDMA test, a total game-changer for cat owners like us. This test measures a metabolite that gets excreted through the kidneys, giving us a clear picture of her kidney function. It's a crucial step in diagnosing and treating kidney disease, and it's worth every penny.

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What I Learned About My Cat's Kidney Failure

We've been dealing with our cat Murzhasha's chronic kidney disease for a year now, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. Her creatinine and urea levels were sky-high, and the vet gave her only a few weeks to live. We were determined to give her a fighting chance, so we tried every treatment under the sun - traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and even Ayurveda. We did countless ultrasounds on her kidneys, but they never gave us a clear picture of her kidney function. The high white blood cell count was a major concern, and we even tried antibiotics.

At one point, we were at a loss for what to do next. The vet suggested running a test for something called SDMA, which is a metabolite that gets excreted through the kidneys. When kidney function declines, SDMA levels rise. It's a game-changer for cat owners like us who want to know the truth about their pet's kidney health. Not every lab does this test, but it's super popular abroad.

According to the International Renal Interest Society, SDMA analysis is crucial for diagnosing and treating kidney disease in cats.

So, when should you use this test? The International Renal Interest Society recommends it for cats showing severe weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or hyperthermia, polydipsia, hematuria or presence of mucous in urine, or a strong, unpleasant odor or dark color of urine.

Severe weight loss; Vomiting, diarrhea, or hyperthermia; Polydipsia; Hematuria or presence of mucous in urine; Strong, unpleasant odor or dark color of urine.

We sent Murzhasha's blood sample to Neovet lab. No special prep was needed - just a fasting blood test. It's recommended to fast your cat for 12 hours before the test to avoid elevated triglyceride levels in the blood sample.

Make sure you have at least 2.5 mL of blood for this test.

We arrived at the clinic in the morning, and the vet drew blood from her paw. Murzhasha is a total pro - she never even flinched! After the blood draw, we took off the bandage and headed home, waiting anxiously for the results. Three days later, they arrived via email.

The result was a whopping 31.5, way above the normal range of 14. A SDMA level > 20 μg/dL with abnormal OAM confirms kidney damage. You should also rule out secondary hyperthyroidism.

The vet told us that Murzhasha indeed has kidney disease, specifically a severely impaired glomerular filtration rate. This test was a total game-changer for us. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to confirm kidney damage in their cat.

Of course, this test shouldn't replace a comprehensive exam, including ultrasound and blood work. It's just one tool in the arsenal of cat owners who want to give their pets the best possible care.

Looking back, I wish we had known about SDMA testing sooner. It would have saved us a lot of time and stress. But now that we do, I want to spread the word to other cat owners who may be going through the same thing.

So, if you're dealing with a cat who's showing signs of kidney disease, don't give up hope. There are options out there, and this test can be a game-changer. Just remember to work closely with your vet and do your research.

And if you're a vet reading this, please consider offering SDMA testing to your clients. It could make all the difference in the world.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the SDMA test and how does it work?

The SDMA test measures a metabolite that gets excreted through the kidneys, giving a clear picture of kidney function. It's a non-invasive test that doesn't require any special preparation.

Is the SDMA test a cure for kidney disease?

No, the SDMA test is not a cure for kidney disease. However, it's a valuable tool for monitoring kidney health and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.

How much does the SDMA test cost?

The cost of the SDMA test varies depending on the lab and location. It's not usually covered by insurance, so be sure to check your policy before getting the test.

Where can I get the SDMA test done?

You can find a lab that offers the SDMA test by searching online or asking your vet for recommendations. Not every lab does the test, so you'll need to do some research to find a lab that offers it.

What do the test results mean?

The test results will show the level of SDMA in your cat's blood. High levels indicate impaired kidney function, while low levels indicate normal kidney function.

Is the SDMA test available in all areas?

No, the SDMA test may not be available in all areas. You'll need to do some research to find a lab that offers the test in your area.

Can I use the SDMA test to monitor my cat's kidney health?

Yes, the SDMA test is a valuable tool for monitoring kidney health and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.

Is the SDMA test a game-changer for cat owners?

Yes, the SDMA test is a game-changer for cat owners dealing with kidney disease. It gives a clear picture of kidney function and helps identify kidney damage and impaired kidney function.

check_circlePros

•The SDMA test gives a clear picture of kidney function, which is a total game-changer for cat owners.
•It's a non-invasive test that doesn't require any special preparation.
•The test is super popular abroad, and it's a must-have for any cat owner dealing with kidney disease.
•It helps identify kidney damage and impaired kidney function, which is crucial for treatment.
•The test is a great tool for monitoring kidney health and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
•It's a valuable resource for cat owners who want to give their pets the best possible care.
•The SDMA test is a relatively quick and easy process, which is a big plus.
•It can help cat owners catch kidney disease early, when it's still treatable.

cancelCons

•Not every lab does the SDMA test, so you'll need to find a lab that offers it.
•The test can be expensive, especially if you're not covered by insurance.
•It's not a cure-all for kidney disease, but rather a tool to help manage the condition.
•The test results can be confusing if you don't understand what they mean.
•It may not be covered by all pet insurance plans, so be sure to check your policy.
•The test may not be available in all areas, so you'll need to do some research to find a lab that offers it.
•The test requires a blood sample, which can be stressful for some cats.
•It may not be suitable for cats with certain medical conditions, so be sure to consult with your vet first.