What does an increase in BUN levels usually imply?

An increase in Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels typically signifies issues related to kidney function or hydration status. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver after the breakdown of proteins, and it is normally excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, elevated BUN levels can indicate that the kidneys are not filtering and excreting waste effectively, which can occur due to kidney dysfunction.

Additionally, elevated BUN levels can also arise from dehydration. In cases of dehydration, the concentration of urea in the blood increases because there is less water available to dilute it, leading to a higher BUN reading.

This understanding of BUN levels is crucial in veterinary medicine as it helps in assessing an animal's renal function and hydration status, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.