Abstract
Objective
To provide the knowledge and context necessary for veterinary anaesthetists to appraise and design studies utilising biomarkers as outcome measures for acute kidney injury (AKI).
Databases used
PubMed, Medline and CAB abstracts.
Conclusions
The diagnosis of AKI in dogs currently relies upon markers of glomerular function that are delayed and not specific to the tubular structural injury present during anaesthesia-related AKI. Several urinary biomarkers of renal tubular dysfunction, notably neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, clusterin, cystatin B, cystatin C and γ-glutamyl transferase, show promise as very early markers of perioperative AKI in dogs. However, for their reliable and routine use, a larger evidence base is required in the setting of canine perioperative AKI and there is a need for standardisation of measurement and reporting methodology.