Which compound is used as a kidney function indicator in birds and some dog breeds?

• A. BUN
• B. Creatinine
• C. Uric acid
• D. AST

Answer: (C)

Uric acid is used as a kidney function indicator in birds and some dog breeds because these animals excrete nitrogen primarily as uric acid rather than urea. Birds conserve water by producing little liquid waste, so uric acid accumulation in the blood and its clearance by the kidneys provide a more accurate reflection of renal function in these species. Some dog breeds, such as Dalmatians, have distinctive uric acid handling, making uric acid a relevant marker for kidney function there as well.

In contrast, BUN and creatinine are standard mammalian renal tests but are less reliable in birds due to differences in nitrogen metabolism and excretion. AST is a liver enzyme, not a renal marker, so it doesn’t indicate kidney function.