Diagnostic Testing

Heska Corp. introduces the new E.R.D.-Screen Urine Test that providesveterinarians with a rapid, annual in-clinic test to identify dogs "atrisk" of renal disease or other ongoing diseases causing nephron damage.

With the E.R.D.-Screen test, this identification happens much earlier thanwith conventional renal diagnostics, the company says. E.R.D.-Screen isa urine test for microalbuminuria (very small amounts of albumin in theurine) that detects and monitors ongoing nephron damage in dogs. Becausepersistent microalbuminuria is an indication of nephron damage, not nephronloss, earlier intervention is now possible, the company says.

E.R.D.-Screenis an easy-to-use, five-minute, in-clinic test device that is self-containedand does not require reagents, the company says. With an albumin detectioncapability 10- to 30-fold lower than conventional urine dipsticks, a positiveE.R.D.-Screen Test result indicates the presence of micro-albuminuria, whichis an abnormal finding requiring further medical investigation, the companysays.

Heska recommends that all dogs 3 years of age or older be tested aspart of their annual wellness exam. Regular testing should also be consideredfor high-risk breeds, genetically predisposed dogs and dogs with a historyof kidney problems or other chronic illness, the company says.

For fastest response call (800) GO HESKA or visit the Web site at