FGF-23 is a hormone involved in phosphorus regulation. When phosphorus becomes harder for the cat's kidneys to manage, their body increases FGF-23 levels to help get rid of phosphorus.
The interesting thing about FGF-23 is that is can rise earlier than a phosphorus rise on routine bloodwork. Similar to SDMA, it seems like researchers are evaluating it as an early marker. I'm not quite sure though how it helps if you already know your cat has stage "x" kidney disease. I would think the treatments would be the same. If your cat has normal traditional markers but an elevated FGF-23, is it more of a "hey, your cat could be at higher risk for CKD in the future"?
Has anyone had this tested? I've never had it done personally.
IDEXX FGF-23 Test
The interesting thing about FGF-23 is that is can rise earlier than a phosphorus rise on routine bloodwork. Similar to SDMA, it seems like researchers are evaluating it as an early marker. I'm not quite sure though how it helps if you already know your cat has stage "x" kidney disease. I would think the treatments would be the same. If your cat has normal traditional markers but an elevated FGF-23, is it more of a "hey, your cat could be at higher risk for CKD in the future"?
Has anyone had this tested? I've never had it done personally.
IDEXX FGF-23 Test