What is the medical term for increased levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine?

The medical term for increased levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine is azotemia. This condition indicates a decrease in kidney function, which leads to the accumulation of waste products in the blood. Urea nitrogen and creatinine are both byproducts of protein metabolism and muscle breakdown, respectively. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are unable to efficiently filter these substances from the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels.

Azotemia is often assessed through blood tests, and its presence can help veterinary professionals diagnose underlying kidney issues or other related health problems in animals. For instance, distinguishing azotemia from other conditions can guide treatment options and further diagnostic testing for kidney disease or dysfunction.

The other terms mentioned relate to different electrolyte imbalances or conditions: hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels, hyponatremia indicates low sodium levels, and hypercalcemia indicates high calcium levels. None of these are directly related to the elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine that characterize azotemia. Understanding these different terms is important for recognizing various medical conditions and their proper management.