IDEXX SDMA Test: Monitoring kidney health in cats and dogs

Responsible: ad hoc news Lifestyle & Consumer Desk. Reviewed prior to publication on June 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

The IDEXX SDMA Test has become a staple in many small animal practices, giving veterinarians a way to monitor kidney function in cats and dogs earlier than with traditional markers like creatinine. Designed to run on IDEXX in-house analyzers and in reference laboratories, the test measures symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), a biomarker that correlates with glomerular filtration rate and can rise when as little as 25 percent of kidney function is lost. For pet owners who see their animals as family members, this earlier warning signal can translate into changing diets, adjusting medications and planning follow-up visits before chronic kidney disease progresses to a crisis stage.

What the IDEXX SDMA Test does in everyday veterinary practice

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions in older cats and a significant concern in aging dogs, often progressing silently until a substantial portion of kidney function is gone. Traditional chemistry panels rely heavily on creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, which typically do not increase until roughly 75 percent of kidney function is lost, limiting the window for early intervention. The IDEXX SDMA Test focuses on SDMA, a methylated form of arginine released during protein turnover and excreted almost exclusively by the kidneys, making it a more sensitive indicator of reduced filtration. Because SDMA is less influenced by muscle mass, it can be especially useful in underweight or elderly animals where creatinine might appear normal despite underlying disease.

In practical terms, many clinics include the IDEXX SDMA Test as part of routine wellness profiles, senior checkups and pre-anesthetic panels, embedding it into standard bloodwork rather than reserving it only for sick patients. When SDMA values are elevated but creatinine remains within reference intervals, veterinarians may interpret this as an early sign of reduced kidney function and recommend follow-up tests, urine analysis, blood pressure measurement and imaging to build a more complete picture. If chronic kidney disease is confirmed or strongly suspected, practitioners can discuss renal-supportive diets, hydration strategies and monitoring plans with pet owners at a stage when the animal still appears clinically well. For many clients, this shift from reacting to late-stage symptoms to proactively managing early disease is a key reason the test has been widely adopted.

From a workflow perspective, the IDEXX SDMA Test is integrated into the IDEXX chemistry platforms, so it can be added to a standard panel with a simple selection in the practice software. Turnaround times depend on whether the clinic uses an in-house analyzer or sends samples to an IDEXX reference laboratory, but results are typically available on the same day for in-clinic testing. The report format is similar to other chemistry values, with numeric results and reference intervals that make it straightforward for veterinarians and technicians who are already familiar with interpreting bloodwork. Training materials and clinical guidelines from IDEXX and independent specialists explain how to interpret isolated SDMA increases, combined changes in SDMA and creatinine, and concurrent abnormalities such as proteinuria or hypertension.

Compared with simpler dipstick or single-parameter tests, SDMA measurement is part of a broader diagnostic approach that aligns with recommendations from international kidney disease groups, which emphasize early detection and staging. By fitting neatly into that framework, the IDEXX SDMA Test supports practices that aim to follow evidence-based protocols and communicate clearly with clients about disease progression. For pet owners, seeing SDMA trends over time on follow-up bloodwork can make it easier to understand why a veterinarian suggests changes even when the animal appears outwardly healthy. In a market where owners increasingly expect human-grade diagnostics for their pets, tests like SDMA help bridge the gap between advanced laboratory science and day-to-day clinical decisions.

For IDEXX Laboratories, the SDMA Test is part of its core companion animal diagnostics portfolio, contributing recurring revenue from both in-house analyzer usage and reference laboratory submissions. Shares of IDEXX Laboratories (US45168D1046, ticker IDXX) traded at $503.60 on Nasdaq on June 11, 2026.

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