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Albumin is an important protein that is found in large quantities in the blood but is not normally present in the urine of healthy dogs. The term microalbuminuria refers to the presence of very small amounts of albumin in urine.
Microalbuminuria may indicate underlying health problems and is sometimes an early warning sign of primary kidney disease (also known as renal disease).
Many conditions can potentially lead to microalbuminuria. These include inflammatory conditions (e.g., dental disease, chronic skin disease, bowel inflammation, etc.), infectious disease (e.g., heartworm infection, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, etc.), metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus, overactive adrenal glands), hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and kidney disease.
The microalbuminuria test will detect minute amounts of protein in urine compared to the routine urine “dipstick” test (see handout “Urinalysis”). The microalbuminuria test is used when the routine urine test for protein is negative and your veterinarian wants to:
Microalbuminuria testing should not be done when:
All that is needed is a small amount of urine collected in a sterile container. The sample can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but your veterinarian may want to collect fresh urine from your dog for the test.
No. In fact, the majority of dogs with microalbuminuria will not develop kidney disease. In most cases, treatment or management of the underlying health problem will make the microalbuminuria disappear. It is only in a small percentage of dogs that microalbuminuria is truly a warning sign of early kidney disease. These dogs may go on to develop serious kidney disease and possibly kidney failure. Although a complete cure may not be possible, specific steps, such as a prescription diet and medications can be taken to slow down the progression of the disease.
If microalbuminuria is detected, your veterinarian will likely recommend further testing to look for hidden disease. The choice of tests may vary but could include routine blood tests and urinalysis (see handouts “Complete Blood Count”, “Serum Biochemistry”, and “Urinalysis” for more information). If there is no evidence of underlying illness, then regular check-ups every 3-6 months, including microalbuminuria testing, may be recommended to monitor your dog’s health status and to watch for any changes.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 12, 2023.
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