Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How estimating kidney function helps dogs with kidney disease
By McKenna, Myles et al.Ā·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicineĀ·2020Ā·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United KingdomĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Clinical utility of estimation of glomerular filtration rate in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 132 dogs had their kidney function tested using a method called iohexol clearance to see how well their kidneys were working. This test was particularly helpful for identifying early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs that didn't yet show symptoms like increased thirst or urination. In fact, the test accurately diagnosed kidney disease in several dogs even before they showed any significant signs of illness. This means that estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be a valuable tool for vets to catch kidney problems early and start treatment sooner.
People also search for: dog kidney disease symptoms Ā· how to test dog kidney function Ā· early signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is the gold standard for assessment of renal function, although the clinical utility of this test is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical utility of GFR estimation in dogs. ANIMALS: Medical records of 132 dogs that had serum iohexol clearance measured between 2012 and 2017. METHODS: Iohexol clearance and clinical records were reviewed and submitting practices contacted to obtain outcome data. Dogs were classified into 4 groups based on the reason for performing GFR estimation: A1 (screening for pre-azotemic chronic kidney disease [CKD], n = 105), A2 (confirmation of azotemic CKD, n = 3), B (screening for pre-azotemic acute kidney injury, n = 19), and C (miscellaneous causes, n = 5). Descriptive review of the clinical utility of GFR estimation is provided. RESULTS: For dogs in Group A1, renal disease was diagnosed in 9/9 dogs with a GFR ≥40% decreased below the mean GFR of their body weight category, in 5/6 dogs with a ≥30% but <40% reduction in GFR and in 7/9 dogs with a ≥20% but <30% reduction in GFR. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Glomerular filtration rate estimation is useful for the diagnosis of CKD before the onset of azotemia.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31373414/