Laboratory evaluation of renal disorders

Abstract

Diagnostic investigation of suspected renal disease begins with a consideration of the signalment, history and physical examination findings. Thereafter, if renal disease is still suspected, laboratory investigations are carried out. The most useful laboratory tests at this stage of the investigation are a serum biochemistry profile and complete urine analysis. There is relatively little to be gained by doing one without the other, since accurate diagnosis of most renal disorders requires integration of information gained from urine and serum biochemical analyses. Laboratory investigation of the various categories of renal failure, protein-losing nephropathy and renal tubular disorders will be described in this chapter. Urine analysis is discussed in Chapter 10.