A FINDING NOT TO BE IGNORED
If, in the past, you've been inclined to not worry about proteinuria in a seemingly normal patient, it's time to start paying
attention. In patients with chronic kidney disease, the risk of an adverse outcome worsens 1.5 times for every increase by
1 in a patient's urine protein/creatinine ratio.1,2 Your clients will appreciate your proactive approach to their pets' care.
Editors' note: Dr. Polzin has received research sponsorship and speaking honoraria from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Royal Canin,
and Nestlé Purina; receives support for the International Renal Interest Society from Novartis; and has consulted for and
received honoraria from Bayer, Pfizer, and Vétoquinol.
David J. Polzin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (small animal internal medicine), Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,
College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
REFERENCES
1. Jacob F, Polzin DJ, Osborne CA, et al. Evaluation of the association between initial proteinuria and morbidity rate or death
in dogs with naturally occurring chronic renal failure. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:393-400.
2. Syme HM, Markwell PJ, Pfeiffer D, et al. Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure is related to severity
of proteinuria. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:528-535.
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