Glomerular Disease in Dogs
The glomeruli (singular, "glomerulus") are tiny structures in the kidneys that filter blood. Disease in these structures is a common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs and can also cause acute (sudden) kidney injury. When the glomeruli are damaged, they can allow too much protein to leak into the urine. This can cause low protein levels in the blood, which can lead to swollen legs, high cholesterol, blood clots, and fluid buildup in the body, most often under the skin.
Glomerular disease in dogs has been linked to high blood pressure, immune system problems, tumors, infections, lupus, heartworm disease, hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes, or amyloidosis.
Some forms of glomerular disease are more common in certain breeds, such as Samoyeds, English Cocker Spaniels, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Signs and Diagnosis of Glomerular Disease in Dogs
Common signs of glomerular disease in dogs include protein in the urine, low protein levels in the blood, belly swelling, trouble breathing, and leg swelling. Together, these signs are called nephrotic syndrome. Severe disease can lead to advanced CKD and high blood pressure. Blood clots can also form, potentially causing strokes, heart attacks, or severe breathing trouble if clots lodge in the lungs.
A veterinarian can diagnose glomerular disease with urine and blood testing and often a kidney biopsy (sampling a piece of the dog's kidney to analyze it under a microscope). X-rays, ultrasound, blood pressure checks, and special blood tests might also be needed for diagnosis.
Treatment and Outlook for Dogs With Glomerular Disease in Dogs
Treatment of glomerular disease depends on the cause. Components of treatment might include addressing an underlying disease, suppressing the dog's immune system, special diets, diuretics (medications that cause the body to produce more urine), blood-thinning medicine, and steps to lessen protein loss in the urine. For dogs that develop CKD, problems relating to that will also need treatment.
Dogs tend not to survive for very long once glomerular disease is diagnosed, but an earlier diagnosis might help extend the dog's life.
Renal Tubular Acidosis in Dogs
Renal tubules are hollow tubes inside the kidneys through which urine flows and from which water and other substances are reabsorbed back into the body. These tubules help the kidneys manage the acid-base balance in the body.
Diseased kidneys might have difficulty removing enough acid from the body, resulting in a condition called metabolic acidosis. This can occur with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
In rare cases, defects specifically affecting the kidney tubules can also cause acid buildup in the blood. This condition is called renal tubular acidosis. It can lead to kidney stones and soft, fragile bones.
Treatment for renal tubular acidosis usually includes medicine to correct acid levels in the blood, but it doesn't work in every case.
Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs
Fanconi syndrome is a disorder in which the kidneys can't properly reabsorb from the urine important substances the body needs, such as glucose, electrolytes, protein, and amino acids. These substances are lost in the urine instead.
In dogs, causes of Fanconi syndrome include drug reactions and certain foods (such as chicken jerky treats). Fanconi syndrome can also be inherited. Basenjis are especially at risk for the inherited form.
Signs of this syndrome in dogs include increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. Fanconi syndrome can sometimes lead to uremia. Uremia is a condition in which severely decreased kidney function causes waste products to build up in the blood and produce illness.
Diagnosis requires blood and urine testing.
The kidney defect that causes Fanconi syndrome can't be fixed. Treatment focuses on replacing the lost substances and easing symptoms. Many dogs with the inherited form eventually die from uremia.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding glomerular disease and renal tubular defects in dogs.
