Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers can be affected by polycystic kidney disease. Multiple small cysts are found in the kidneys. Cysts are present by the age of six weeks. It is
inherited through a autosomal recessive mechanism.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows can be affected by renal dysplasia that progresses to renal failure and secondary fibrous renal osteodystrophy, causing fractures and "rubber jaw".
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels can be affected by glomerular disease before the age of four years. It does progress to renal failure. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Doberman
Dobermans can be affected by basement membrane disease of the kidneys that can progress to renal failure.
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dogs can be affected by multiple cystadenocarcinomas of the kidney. It is inherited and appears between the ages of five and eleven years. Blood in the
urine is often seen. It is sometimes accompanied by nodules in the skin or multiple uterine leiomyomas.
Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus can both be affected by renal dysplasia before the age of five years. It does progress to renal failure. It can be accompanied by fibrous
osteodystrophy, caused by calcium absorption from the bone. Signs include bone fractures and "rubber jaw".
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers can be affected by renal dysplasia before the age of five years. It does progress to renal failure.
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds can be affected by renal tubule disease (Fanconi's syndrome) that does not progress to renal failure. A consistent finding is glucose in the urine.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers can be affected by glomerular disease before the age of one year that does progress to renal failure. Findings include protein in the urine and high
cholesterol levels in the blood.
Samoyed
Samoyeds can be affected by basement membrane disease of the kidneys. It is inherited through the X chromosome and therefore more severe in affected male dogs. Findings
in male dogs include the presence of protein and glucose in the urine and the inability to concentrate urine, and progression to renal failure by the age of nine months
and death by sixteen months. Affected female dogs have protein in the urine and a failure to gain a normal amount of weight, but are usually otherwise normal.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis can be affected by glomerular amyloidosis which is caused by deposition of amyloid in the kidney and occurs secondary to Shar Pei fever. It progresses to renal
failure by the age of six years.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a type of renal dysplasia characterized by persistence of the fetal glomeruli. The predominating signs are of chronic renal failure. Severely affected dogs
only live for a few months. The mechanism of inheritance appears to be through an autosomal dominant gene with incomplete penetrance.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers can be affected by renal dysplasia that progresses to renal failure. It is usually seen by the age of three years.
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles can be affected by renal dysplasia by the age of two years that progresses to renal failure. Secondary fibrous osteodystrophy can be seen.
Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgis can be affected by renal telangiectasia between the ages of five and thirteen years. It is characterized by red-black nodules in the kidneys. It can cause
hydronephrosis and abdominal pain. It usually does not progress to renal failure.
Diagnosis
Dogs affected with glomerulonephropathy present with weight loss, loss of appetite, apathy, vomiting, increased thirst and urination. Clinical signs include mild
to severe proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, and occasionally glycosuria at 6 weeks to 2 months of age and eventually chronic kidney failure near 6-10 months of
age.
Treatment
Hereditary Nephritis
In dogs with hereditary nephritis treatment is directed to decreasing proteinuria, improving kidney function. Salt-restricted and protein-restricted diets are
also recommended. Despite urine protein loss, dietary protein supplementation is not advisable as proteinuria can worsen. Dogs and cats with fluid buildup
(edema) or ascites should be treated with cage rest and dietary sodium restriction. Sometimes, there may be a need for tapping the abdominal cavity with a needle
in order to draw off accumulated fluids if animals experience difficulty breathing and abdominal discomfort. Overzealous use of diuretics (furosemide) may cause
dehydration and acute kidney insufficiency. Plasma transfusions provide only temporary benefits.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli. In dogs, infectious diseases such as brucellosis, dirofilariasis,
ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, borreliosis); tumors, and inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis, polyarthritis, and prostatitis can cause the
disease. As most affected dogs develop proteinuria as puppies, it is important to include urine analysis in their health screening. There are often no clinical
signs associated with nephritis. The prognosis for dogs with glomerulonephritis is generally poor, although early recognition and appropriate therapy can extend
the lives of these patients.
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