Buddy

Range: 0-14 ug/dL

An early kidney marker (SDMA) is one of the earliest signs of kidney change in dogs — it can rise before other markers. Buddy's is mildly above normal, which suggests his kidneys are working harder than they should. This is the kind of early signal vets like to catch.

This is the most important finding to discuss with your vet. They'll likely talk about a kidney-friendly diet (often called a 'kidney' diet — several brands available through your vet) and may suggest adding omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil). A follow-up panel in about 4-6 weeks helps confirm where things stand.

Range: 0.5-1.5 mg/dL

Creatinine is above the normal range. Combined with the An early kidney marker (SDMA) result above, this fits with early-stage kidney disease (vets call it Early-stage kidney disease (IRIS Stage 2) — mild and manageable). Catching it here gives the longest runway for keeping Buddy comfortable.

Talk with your vet about a kidney-friendly diet, making sure Buddy has plenty of fresh water available, and avoiding common pain meds like ibuprofen (which can stress the kidneys further). Many dogs with CKD also have higher blood pressure — ask your vet to check that at the next visit.

Range: 7-27 mg/dL

BUN tracks alongside creatinine. BUN can also go up with dehydration or high-protein meals, but combined with the other kidney results, it lines up with the kidney story.

Encourage Buddy to drink — wet/canned kidney-friendly food adds water and is often preferred over dry food. A pet water fountain can help reluctant drinkers.

Range: >1.030 (concentrated)

Urine concentration test (USG) measures how concentrated his urine is. Healthy dog kidneys produce concentrated urine; Buddy's is more dilute. Combined with the markers above, this fits with the early kidney picture.

This often improves as the kidney-friendly diet takes effect. The increased drinking the family noticed is the everyday sign of the same thing.

Range: <0.5 (non-proteinuric)

A small amount of protein is leaking into the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage. On its own it's not alarming, but it's something to follow up.

Your vet will likely want to repeat this test on two more samples a couple of weeks apart to confirm. If it stays elevated, they may discuss prescription medicines that help slow kidney changes — those are decisions to make together with the vet.

Range: 20-150 U/L

Alkaline phosphatase is well above normal. In an older dog who's drinking more, this combination can suggest a hormone condition called Cushing's syndrome (where the body makes too much of its stress hormone). It could also be a liver issue. The vet can help sort which it is.

Ask your vet about a Cushing's screening test (commonly an ACTH stim test or LDDS test — your vet will pick the right one). They may also recheck the liver enzymes to better understand the picture.

Range: 1-5 ug/dL (resting)

Resting cortisol (the body's stress hormone) is above normal. Combined with the drinking and the high alkaline phosphatase, it adds weight to a possible Cushing's picture — though a single cortisol reading isn't a diagnosis. The vet will use a specific test to confirm.

Schedule the Cushing's screening test your vet recommends. If Cushing's is confirmed, treatment options can dramatically improve quality of life — your vet will walk through what's right for Buddy.