UREA, SERUM

Description

Serum Urea (BUN) Test for Dogs & Cats

The Serum Urea test, also known as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), measures the level of urea in your pet’s blood. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. It is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Elevated serum urea is one of the primary indicators of kidney dysfunction in dogs and cats and is typically evaluated alongside creatinine as part of a kidney function panel.

Why Is This Test Important?

The kidneys must lose approximately 75% of their function before BUN rises significantly, meaning elevated urea can indicate substantial kidney compromise. However, serum urea can also be influenced by non-kidney factors such as a high-protein diet, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, and certain medications. For this reason, BUN is most meaningful when evaluated alongside creatinine, urinalysis, and clinical signs. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive assessment of kidney health in pets.

When Is This Test Recommended?

• Routine senior wellness bloodwork
• Pre-surgical health screening
• Suspected chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury
• Increased thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia)
• Vomiting, weight loss, or reduced appetite
• Monitoring pets with known kidney disease

Understanding Your Results

Normal serum urea in dogs is approximately 10–30 mg/dL and in cats, 16–36 mg/dL. Mild elevations may be diet-related or due to dehydration; significant elevations suggest kidney disease. Critically low urea can be seen with severe liver disease. Results should be interpreted with creatinine, SDMA, and urinalysis for a complete kidney health picture.

At-Home Sample Collection Service

At Home Petcare provides at-home blood sample collection for serum urea and kidney function testing in Hyderabad. Our veterinary team visits your home, collects a small blood sample, and delivers digital results with expert veterinary guidance.