My dog has high SDMA, but normal kidney tests. Is it a false positive?

Question

We have 2 yr old female sheltie (11 lbs). Concern she may have kidney disease. Here is her blood work: BUN 29, Creatine 0.5, serum protein 6.1, SDMA 17, Specific gravity 1.047 or greater, UPC ratio 0.1, serum albumin 3.4. Could her SDMA possibly be a false positive? Do these values indicate early CKD? Our Vets advice was "out of an abundance of caution, lower her protein intake a little". We have gone a step further and tried to lower her Phosphorus levels also. What do you think? Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

The SDMA test can be frustrating when values are borderline high, but all other kidney values are spot on. Elevated SDMA values can indicate that kidney disease may develop within the next few years... but this is not true 100% of the time. As with any test, false positives are certainly possible. At this point, with well concentrated urine (great urine specific gravity!) and a low UPC, it sounds as though Maddy's kidney function is great. I agree with your vet - lowering the protein content in her diet is out of an abundance of caution. It does not sound as though any changes in dietary phosphorus are necessary at this point. Instead, plan to recheck Maddy's blood and urine tests twice a year to track these changes, or more often if she shows signs of kidney disease, including increased drinking and urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, or vomiting. Try not to stress - this result sounds like a bit of a red herring. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Maddy!

My dog has high SDMA, but normal kidney tests. Is it a false positive?

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