Parkway Animal Hospital's
PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO
E.R.D. Screening
What is Renal Failure / Kidney Disease?
In chronic kidney failure, urine is usually produced in excessive quantities. What the kidneys are failing to do is conserve water (they are failing to make concentrated urine). The body produces numerous toxins on a moment-by-moment basis. These toxins circulate to the kidneys where, dissolved in water, they are filtered out and urinated away. An efficient kidney can make highly concentrated urine so that a large amount of toxin can be excreted in a relatively small amount of water.
When the kidneys fail over a long time period, they lose their ability to concentrate urine and more water is required to excrete the same amount of toxin. The animal will begin to drink more and more to provide the failing kidneys with enough water. Ultimately, the animal cannot drink enough and toxin levels begin to rise. Weight loss, listlessness, nausea, constipation, and poor appetite become noticeable. It is common for animals, especially cats, to have a long history of excessive water consumption when they finally come to the vet's office with one of the latter complaints.
What is an E.R.D. Screen?
A Simple Urine Test Offers Early Detection of Kidney Damage:
The E.R.D.- HealthScreen® Urine Test:
- Finds kidney damage earlier and more accurately than ever before.
- Helps screen for the presence of many serious, but hidden diseases.
- Is the first step in helping us diagnose hidden health problems in your pet.
Early detection allows your veterinarian to identify and treat problems early – before they become severe – helping your pet enjoy a happier, healthier life.
Ask your veterinarian about the E.R.D.-HealthScreen® Urine Test during your pet's next visit.
Understanding Your Pet’s Urine Test Results
A NEGATIVE TEST
A negative test is reassuring because it indicates your pet has no current damage to the kidneys. Your pet’s good health can be monitored with another urine test at its next regular check up.
A POSITIVE TEST
A positive test can be good news because the test detects kidney damage early – which can lead to diagnosing the underlying disease – allowing for earlier treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the E.R.D.-HealthScreen® Canine and Feline Urine Tests.
What will this test tell me?
The E.R.D.-HealthScreen® test will tell you if protein is leaking into your pet's urine, which can be an indicator of damage to the kidneys. Additional tests may be needed to identify the cause.
How do I collect a urine sample?
Home collection methods are available. However, the easiest way is for the veterinary clinic to collect the sample during your pet’s exam.
How long does the test take?
The results can be read in minutes. It's likely that you will learn the results of your pet's test before you leave the clinic.
