What is SDMA and Why It Matters for Early Detection of Kidney Disease
When it comes to protecting your pet’s health, early detection is everything—especially for conditions like kidney disease that can develop silently over time.
One of the most important tools we use at Creature Comforts to catch kidney problems early is a test called SDMA. But what exactly is SDMA, and why should you, as a pet parent, care?
Let’s break it down simply.
🧠 What Is SDMA?
SDMA stands for Symmetric Dimethylarginine—a naturally occurring molecule in your pet’s blood. It’s a biomarker that reflects how well the kidneys are filtering waste.
Unlike older markers like creatinine, SDMA rises earlier when the kidneys start to lose function—giving us a valuable head start in diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
✅ Fun fact: SDMA can detect kidney issues months—or even years—earlier than traditional tests.
🐾 Why SDMA Matters for Your Pet
Kidney disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses in cats and dogs, especially as they age. And because pets often hide pain or discomfort, the disease can go unnoticed until it's quite advanced.
That’s where SDMA helps us make a difference.
Key Benefits of SDMA:
- Detects kidney decline earlier than creatinine
- Not affected by muscle mass, which makes it more accurate in underweight or senior pets
- Can spot issues before symptoms appear, helping us slow or manage disease progression
🧪 How Is the SDMA Test Done?
It’s simple! The SDMA test is part of a routine blood panel. At Creature Comforts, we often include it in:
- Senior wellness screenings
- Annual health checks for cats and dogs over 7
- Diagnostic testing for pets showing signs like increased thirst or weight loss
💉 Just a small blood sample is needed, and results are typically available within 24–48 hours.
🔍 When Should You Test for SDMA?
We recommend an SDMA test if:
- Your pet is 7 years or older
- You’ve noticed changes in thirst, appetite, or energy
- Your pet has existing kidney issues or is at higher risk (e.g., certain breeds or medication use)
- You're bringing your pet in for a wellness check or pre-anesthetic bloodwork
🐱 SDMA is especially helpful in detecting early-stage CKD in cats, who often hide their symptoms until the disease is advanced.
❓ Common Questions About SDMA
Q: Is SDMA more accurate than other kidney tests?
Yes—SDMA can detect as little as 25–40% kidney function loss, while creatinine usually doesn’t rise until about 75% is lost.
Q: Can SDMA results fluctuate?
Mild increases can be temporary, which is why we may recheck SDMA alongside other kidney values (like creatinine and urine concentration) before making a diagnosis.
Q: Does a high SDMA mean my pet has kidney failure?
Not always. It means your vet may want to monitor kidney health more closely or adjust your pet’s care plan to support kidney function early.
Q: Is SDMA only for older pets?
No. SDMA is useful at any age—especially in breeds prone to kidney disease, or pets exposed to toxins or medications that may affect the kidneys.