What is Renal (Kidney) Insufficiency?

Kidney insufficiency is a decrease in the kidney's functioning ability.   ​The first indication of kidney insufficiency is often the kidneys' inability to effectively reabsorb water (DILUTE URINE) and a decrease in filtrating abilities (INCREASED CRE & BUN) ​of the blood.

How Do We Diagnose Kidney Insufficiency?​

As kidney disease progresses, we may see elevations in specific proteins in the blood, such as creatinine  (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). When these values are elevated, it is referred to as azotemia.

However, these values can also rise due to dehydration alone, rather than kidney insufficiency. This is why, when a blood test suggests potential kidney disease, it is ideal to have a urinalysis performed at the same time.

​A urinalysis allows us to determine whether the kidneys are effectively concentrating urine or if the elevation in BUN and CRE is due to dehydration rather than an actual decline in kidney function.

Why is the First Morning Urine Sample Important?

If a urinalysis was not performed at the time of the blood test, we can still evaluate the kidneys’ concentrating ability by testing their function when the pet is naturally most dehydrated—first thing in the morning.

How to Collect Your Pet’s First Morning Urine Sample:

  • No access to water overnight: Pick up the water bowls to ensure your pet does not drink water overnight before collecting the sample in the morning.
  • Use a clean Tupperware container: The easiest way to collect a sample is by slipping a clean Tupperware container under your pet as they urinate. Sometimes a ladle can be an extremely helpful tool. Gloves help with splashes! 
  • Bring the sample to us promptly: A fresh sample provides the most accurate results. No appointment is necessary. 

What Happens Next?

​In some cases, multiple samples may be necessary if initial results are inconclusive, but often a single test can confirm whether the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately. If they are, this helps rule out the most common forms of kidney insufficiency, providing peace of mind and a clearer understanding of your pet’s health.