Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health issue in canines, especially as they age. This condition involves long-term, progressive changes in kidney function or structure. CKD can lead to severe complications like anemia, uremic gastroenteritis, and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Photo: Sebastian Kaulitzki/Adobe Stock

Early detection is crucial for managing the disease and improving the quality of life for affected dogs. A key focus in advancing early diagnosis is the use of biomarkers, particularly the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UAC). This ratio has emerged as a valuable tool not only for diagnosing CKD in dogs but also for comparing disease progression between humans and canines.
The measurement UAC is a powerful diagnostic biomarker for CKD, particularly in its early stages. In both dogs and…