Canine Chronic Kidney Disease (SDMA/Cystatin C)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of renal function in dogs. SDMA can rise when as little as 25–40% of kidney function is lost and is largely independent of muscle mass, supporting earlier detection and IRIS staging. Point-of-care quantitative SDMA or cystatin C testing supports senior wellness screening, pre-anaesthetic assessment, and serial monitoring.
Fact Table
| Species | Canine |
|---|---|
| Biomarkers | Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA)Cystatin C |
| Tests |
Clinical Context
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of renal function in dogs. SDMA can rise when as little as 25–40% of kidney function is lost and is largely independent of muscle mass, supporting earlier detection and IRIS staging. Point-of-care quantitative SDMA or cystatin C testing supports senior wellness screening, pre-anaesthetic assessment, and serial monitoring.
Interpretation should combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, vaccination or treatment history where relevant, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
Related Biomarkers
Related Test Kits
Related Articles
- Early Kidney Disease Detection in Dogs and Cats: SDMA Creatinine waits until 60–70% of kidney function is gone; SDMA catches decline at 25–40% loss. Here's what that earlier window is worth.
- Kidney Disease Tests for Dogs and Cats: SDMA and Cystatin C Creatinine misses kidney disease until ~60–75% of function is gone; SDMA and cystatin C catch it at ~25–40% loss. Here's what early screening is worth.
- SDMA and NT-proBNP: Kidney and Heart Markers in Pets A guide to SDMA, cystatin C, NT-proBNP, cPL, CRP, SAA, cortisol and thyroid hormones — reference ranges and how quantitative testing helps.
Clinical literature cited in related articles
2026-09-12
MEDIUM
FAQ
What is SDMA?
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a methylated amino acid released during protein turnover and cleared almost entirely by the kidneys. Its blood concentration rises when kidney filtration declines, making it a sensitive marker of renal function.
Why is SDMA better than creatinine for early detection?
SDMA rises when only 25–40% of kidney function is lost, well before creatinine increases, and is largely independent of muscle mass. This allows earlier detection of chronic kidney disease, especially in geriatric or cachectic patients where creatinine is unreliable.
When should SDMA be measured?
SDMA should be part of routine senior health screening, before anaesthesia or nephrotoxic drug use, and whenever kidney disease is suspected. Serial SDMA measurements also support IRIS staging and monitoring of disease progression.