Measurement of glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and endogenous creatinine clearance in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), and the endogenous creatinine clearance (CCr) rate were determined in 13 captive cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus jubatus (seven females and six males, 1.5-7.5 yr of age, (x) over bar = 5.02 yr), during general anesthesia with Telazol(R) and isoflurane by measuring the urinary clearances of inulin, para-ammohipppuric acid, and endogenous creatinine, respectively. Methods to determine GFR, RPF, and endogenous CCr in captive cheetahs were evaluated, and the relationship between GFR and CCr for this species was determined. The GFR and the RPF were stable during the procedure, with mean values of 1.59 +/- 0.17 ml/min/kg body weight and 5.12 +/- 1.15 ml/min/kg body weight, respectively. Although the mean value for CCr (1.47 +/- 0.20 ml/min/kg body weight) was significantly less than the corresponding value for GFR, the mean difference (0.11 +/- 0.02 ml/min/kg weight) between the two measurements was slight, and the values were highly correlated (R-2 = 0.928; P < 0.0001). The measurement of CCr in cheetahs should provide a reliable estimate of GFR, facilitating the early detection of renal disease in this species.