Here's an article on the high indicators for kidney failure

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Mary Plummer
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Here's an article on the high indicators for kidney failure

Post by Mary Plummer »

...in apparently healthy dogs. I don't understand all of it, but since Mr. Blue turns 6 this year, I think I'll print this out to ask our vets about.

http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/dvm/arti ... p?id=53644
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Amandasmom
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question

Post by Amandasmom »

My dogs have a baseline blood screening at age 5 then one every year at age 7. I have the super chem and CBC done. Would that test cover microalbuminuria?
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Traci
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Post by Traci »

It would seem Heska can't make up their minds about when utilizing this test would be most appropriate for early indicators. In one study, they suggest at 6 years of age and then annually, and in most of their studies, it appears that the microalbuminuria concentrations are highest in older dogs anyway, which really doesn't tell us any more than what we already knew. Plus, take into consideration other health factors that come into play, diet, breed, congenital, acquired, conditions not specifc to kidney disease, etc.

The bottom line is that the vet needs to take into account other testing anyway, (i.e., primarily urine testing and cultures if necessary, specific gravity, protein, bun/creat, UTI altering the results, etc), along with prior history, radiographs, concurrent conditions or secondary conditions, ultimately monitorization and followup checks would be warranted. Not to say the test can't be handy, as it is obviously very specific, but I wonder if most vets are interpreting it correctly, as per other causes noted above.
..........Traci
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k9Karen
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Post by k9Karen »

Screening for microalbuninuria has been done in humans for several years now. It is predominantly used to monitor patients with diabetes mellitus, who, due to this disease, are at high risk for kidney failure. It is not used to screen apparently healthy persons. I don't know if it is being investigated for that use (I doubt it - Medicare wouldn't pay for it!). BTW Traci, this test will be positive when all other indicators (urine protein by dipstick, BUN, creatinine, etc) are normal and the patient is totally asymptomatic. It is the first positive indicator.

Traci or davet (or anyone who knows) - what is the incidence of kidney failure in canines? Is it high enough to warrant this type of routine testing?
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
PP.Mom

Post by PP.Mom »

This is interesting to me as my vet used this test on my almost 12 year old chow. She did not want to do anymore tests now. She did say he had kidney failure based on this test. She told me if he started drinking more water than what he had been drinking before we might need more tests. He is on a low protien diet and seems to be doing okay for his age? I think it was Traci that said older dogs would show more false- postive results with this test. The bloodwork she did earlier did not show kidney problems? Any thought or info appreciated.
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Traci
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Post by Traci »

PP.Mom wrote:I think it was Traci that said older dogs would show more false- postive results with this test. The bloodwork she did earlier did not show kidney problems? Any thought or info appreciated.
I don't think I said that. The ERD may be an early indicator if primary tests do not reveal (i.e., bun and creat), but this ERD test can also indicate several other potential health problems that are not specifically chronic. Heska's site explains that in their "research studies" section.

I'm not saying this test is not useful, I'm saying that it is not a sole indicator simply due to other potentials/differentials. For example, cardiovascular disease, neoplasia, urogenital disease, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, prednisolone administration, all of which are noted in the studies.

The studies also suggest more research is needed to determine the frequency and clinical application of this testing option, I think for the most part, these are all preliminary findings. I'm sure in the near future, when more data is collected, then it's use in clinical management will be paramount. Some vets probably feel it is even now.
..........Traci
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k9Karen
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Post by k9Karen »

My understanding of this test, at least as it is used in humans, is that it is an early indicator of a BEGINNING renal problem, not a sign of disease nor kidney failure - mearly a finding that bears watching. If true renal disease was present, protein levels should be far above the "micro" level, plus, creatinine, if not also BUN should be elevated. Is this different in canines?
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
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