2 yo cat with elevated SDMA?

[Shandyl]

Hi, I’m seeking some advice and collecting some wisdom here… Our first cat, a two year old orange tabby, recently got his blood work done because of potential dental cleaning. But the dental cleaning got paused because this is the second time (2 months apart) that his blood work showed elevated SDMA (17) and some upper limit level Creatinine (1.9 and 2.1). He had previous history of high protein in urine. He doesn’t drink a lot of water and does get stressed at the vet. Now this might be morbid, but I’m fully preparing myself for him to go early because I feel he has CKD… That was my anxiety talking but I guess it puts me in action. So any advice on diet and/or supplements? I tend to feed him high protein low carb diet but they are high in pho. Planning to get Weruva in addition to some prescription diet. But any recommended supplement to go along them? Any other tests you might suggest? We are told to try the diet for three months and do another check up. Then maybe ultrasound…

 

[silent meowlook]

Try a product called Epakitin. It is a phosphate binder. Also get some Azodyl. It is a kidney supplement. Keep tabs on his hydration. You may need to give subcutaneous fluids at some point. Make sure to feed only canned foods and have several water sources available. Some cats like to drink from a cat fountain. You want to encourage him to drink as much as he wants. I prefer using bottle water instead of tap water. Also a good idea to check his blood pressure.

 

[Maurey]

SDMA, on its own, is indicative of absolutely nothing. Upper limit creatinine is also normal if your cat is fed a high quality, high protein, wet or raw diet. Some cats also have a higher base value for creatinine, as well. I’d keep a log on his kidney values over time, switch him to a low/no carb wet or raw diet with high quality protein sources, if he isn’t on such a diet already. May be worth sticking to canned foods with lower (but not low) phos, and/or using eggshell instead of bone for raw (a number of meat completers use eggshells as a calcium source).
I’d also get a kidney ultrasound for peace of mind. CKD in a young cat with structurally sound kidneys is highly unusual.

 

[fionasmom]

I have a four year old who, for the last two years, has had high BUN readings, sometimes creatinine as well. We have done ultrasounds and he sees a specialist. No one has run SDMA because many vets believe it is not indicative of anything or lacking in general diagnostic value. Jamie also has hypertrophic cardiopathy which may or may not be a piece in the kidney issues. As of now, he is absolutely fine, so don't get it into your head that your cat is not long for this world.

Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Cat