Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA)

SDMA

• Symmetric dimethylarginine is a new renal biomarker which can detect kidney disease when approximately 40% function has been compromised.
• SDMA is released into the circulation during protein degradation.
• Because it is almost exclusively eliminated via renal filtration it is a good estimate of GFR.
• SDMA is specific for kidney function.
• It is not impacted by extrarenal factors like BUN and creatinine.
• SDMA is an early indicator of kidney disease – it is not increased in animals with other various diseases.
• It is not dependent on the dog’s lean muscle mass.
• SDMA should be evaluated with other kidney tests such as BUN, creatinine, urinalysis, UPC ratio, etc.
• Additional testing for infectious causes of kidney damage/disease is often necessary