SDMA

Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in cats. International guideline adherence may vary among veterinary practitioners. The objective of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring practices of primary care veterinarians in Turkey regarding feline CKD and to compare these practices with guidelines. A cross-sectional online questionnaire consisting of 32 items was distributed to veterinarians. The survey addressed demographics, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities and monitoring strategies for feline CKD cases. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyse responses. A total of 281 veterinarians participated. While 93.6% were aware of IRIS guidelines, only 55.2% reported performing all recommended diagnostic procedures. SDMA was used alongside creatinine by 73.6% of respondents. However, only 30.5% routinely measured blood pressure. Telmisartan and ACE inhibitors were commonly used, but amlodipine was prescribed by only 8.9%. Most veterinarians recommended renal diets irrespective of CKD stage and typically suggested a short 1–2 week transition period. Follow-up intervals varied, with 40.9% recommending re-evaluations every 2–3 months. Although awareness of international guidelines is high, discrepancies remain in disease substaging, blood pressure monitoring and antihypertensive drug selection. Greater emphasis on blood pressure measurement and improved access to feline-licensed drugs may enhance CKD management in cats.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) predicts carboplatin clearance and myelotoxicity in humans and cats. This relationship is unknown in dogs. In canines, elevated serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) correlates with reduced GFR. This study prospectively evaluated whether dogs with elevated SDMA (> 14 μg/dL) are at increased risk of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity following carboplatin chemotherapy. Plasma samples were collected to determine if SDMA or other factors are significant determinants of carboplatin pharmacokinetics. Thirty client‐owned dogs weighing > 15 kg with confirmed neoplasia were enrolled. Dogs received carboplatin intravenously (300 mg/m 2 ). SDMA was measured on the day of treatment. Nonlinear mixed effects modelling was done to identify possible covariates affecting pharmacokinetic parameters. Adverse effects were monitored with weekly complete blood counts and owner assessment forms. Five dogs had elevated SDMA; four had significantly reduced carboplatin clearance (mean 93.9, range 76.1–116.8 mL/h/kg) compared with dogs with SDMA ≤ 14 μg/dL (mean 185.4, range 114.3–268.3 mL/h/kg, p  < 0.001). Three dogs with elevated SDMA experienced grade 4 neutropenia; one was euthanized due to sepsis. Two additional dogs with elevated SDMA were euthanized 5‐ and 13‐days post treatment due to severe gastrointestinal signs. Twenty‐five dogs had SDMA ≤ 14 μg/dL: 10 had asymptomatic grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 3 had grade 3 or 4 GI toxicity, and none died. Elevated SDMA was associated with decreased carboplatin clearance in dogs and predicted risk for treatment‐related toxicity and death in our study population.