One of my Basenjis is also diagnosed with early kidney disease. The vet prescribed Enalapril Maleate (generic for Vasotec). My vet allowed me to choose whatever prescription food I wanted to use. After some research I chose Blue Buffalo BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support. I looked into and tried a more holistic food, Dr. Harvey's - a dehydrated food, but Kushika couldn't manage to eat it without getting it all over the walls, kitchen floor, and herself so we went back to the kibble. I liked the Dr. Harvey food AND you can call to talk to Dr. Harvey, who asked me to send Kushika's lab results to him so he could make specific recommendations dependent on those results. Kushika came to live with us at almost 10 years old and was immediately diagnosed with kidney disease. At age 12+ she is still with us, going strong and looking better than when she arrived.
Early detection of Kidney Disease
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IDEXX Test Detects Kidney Disease
https://www.idexx.com/corporate/news-and-events/press-release/2015/20150119pr.htmlSomeone mentioned this test, but I don't remember who. However, I talked to a couple of vet and vet techs who say they recommend it any time you have kidney issues in the line, or an individual pet has "off" blood work. As my friend and tech said "SDMA isn't the whole picture, but it is a piece of the puzzle. Our hands are usually tied by finances but regular scanning blood work is a pets best friend"
If the SDMA is elevated, she said they know to start close kidney monitoring.