DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLS FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) IN DOGS: FROM CLINICAL SCREENING TO LABORATORY CONFIRMATION

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in dogs is a progressive clinical syndrome characterized by functional and structural renal loss, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its initially asymptomatic nature. This study presents a narrative review of recent literature on diagnostic protocols for canine CKD, with emphasis on biomarkers, laboratory tests, and clinical parameters. The research was conducted using the PubMed database, including articles published in the last five years in Portuguese and English. Findings highlight the importance of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) as a more sensitive biomarker than serum creatinine for early detection of reduced glomerular filtration rate, as well as the relevance of serial laboratory evaluations to confirm disease chronicity. Proteinuria was identified as a critical prognostic marker and therapeutic target, while the interaction between intestinal microbiota and renal function reinforces the systemic approach to the disease. Hormonal alterations, such as increased FGF-23 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, as well as electrolyte disturbances, were also shown to be relevant for staging and clinical monitoring. It is concluded that the diagnosis of CKD in dogs should be based on integrative protocols combining functional biomarkers, proteinuria assessment, and monitoring of metabolic disorders, enabling early identification, severity stratification, and therapeutic decision-making aimed at slowing disease progression.