Research Communications of the 24th ECVIM-CA Congress

Blood and urine samples were obtained from cats at three UK first opinion practices as part of a geriatric screening programme. Haematology, serum biochemistry (including total thyroxine concentration (TT4)) and urinalysis (including urine protein:creati-nine ratio (UPC)) were performed. Dental disease score (calculus and gingivitis) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. Cats with TT4 > 40 nmol/L, evidence of pyuria or bacteruria, or significant systemic disease were excluded. UAC and UCysC were determined in non-azotaemic cats (n = 50) and cats with azotaemic CKD (n = 10, defined as a serum creatinine concentration >153 lmol/L and concurrent urine specific gravity <1.035). Comparisons between the non-azotaemic and azotaemic CKD groups were made using the Mann Whitney U test. Correlations were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient. Data are presented as median [25 th , 75 th percentile] and statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.