Renal Health Biomarkers and Early Screening
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects more than one in three senior felines. Because renal nephrons do not regenerate once lost to fibrosis, early diagnosis via sensitive biomarkers offers the greatest opportunity to extend quality of life.
SDMA vs Serum Creatinine Testing
Historically, feline renal function was gauged primarily by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, creatinine is heavily influenced by muscle mass; an emaciated senior cat may have deceptively "normal" creatinine values despite significant kidney compromise.
Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a methylated arginine amino acid produced at a steady cellular rate and excreted almost solely by glomerular filtration. SDMA alerts the clinician when as little as 25% to 40% of kidney function is lost—months or years ahead of creatinine spikes.
The Silent Danger of Feline Hypertension
High blood pressure (systolic BP > 160 mmHg) is both a cause and consequence of progressive renal disease and hyperthyroidism. Without routine Doppler screening, hypertension often goes undetected until acute "target organ damage" occurs.
Retinal Detachment
Sudden hypertensive hemorrhage can lead to acute bilateral retinal detachment, resulting in permanent blindness. Early anti-hypertensive therapy reverses or prevents this trauma.
Cerebrovascular Stroke
Unregulated vascular pressure damages fragile cerebral capillaries, resulting in sudden neurological deficits, altered mentation, or vestibular signs.
Cardiac Remodeling
Left ventricular concentric hypertrophy occurs as the myocardium works against elevated peripheral vascular resistance, precipitating congestive heart failure.
Feline Tooth Resorption & Periodontal Care
Cats are uniquely prone to Tooth Resorption (TR), formerly called Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL). In this condition, odontoclasts aggressively resorb the enamel and dentin, exposing sensitive dental pulp nerves. Cats rarely vocalize this pain; instead, they swallow food whole or tilt their head while chewing.
Annual oral examinations accompanied by dental radiography are the standard of care. Resorptive lesions cannot be restored with simple fillings and require surgical crown amputation or complete extraction to relieve chronic pain.