Protein-losing Nephropathy

In dogs with pProtein-losing nephropathy, the filtering mechanism of the kidneys is defective. Glomerular sieves in the kidneys become more porous and If the ability to reabsorb protein is exceeded, protein is excreted in the urine resulting in continual loss of protein. One of the first signs is increased urination and drinking. Excess protein in the urine may be picked up by a urine test. Dogs with this condition may have skin problems which may otherwise be diagnosed as allergies. Blood clots form in some dogs. Treatment is aimed at controlling the kidney failure.

Breeds at Risk

Protein-losing nephropathy is a common diseases in the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers , Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever.. The prognosis is poor. Affected dogs often have adverse reactions to food, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and intense itching. Most commonly implicated foods include corn, tofu, cottage cheese, milk, cream of wheat, and lamb.

Veterinarians usually test Wheatens that exhibit the above symptoms. Wheatens that have this disease should be placed on a gluten-free diet with a protein source from fish, venison, or other protein source not common in dog food. Some Wheatens show sensitivity to chicken.

References

1. Littman MP, Dambach DM, Vaden SL, Giger U. In: J Vet Intern Med. 2000 Jan-Feb;14(1):68-80. Familial protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers: 222 cases (1983-1997).
2. E. Vaden SL, Hammerberg B, Davenport DJ, Orton SM, Trogdon MM, Melgarejo LT, VanCamp SD, Williams DA. In: J Vet Intern Med. 2000 Jan-Feb;14(1):60-7. Food hypersensitivity reactions in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers with protein-losing enteropathy or protein-losing nephropathy or both: gastroscopic food sensitivity testing, dietary provocation, and fecal immunoglobulin
3. Steven L. Stockham, Michael A. Scott. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
4. Margaret H. Bonham, Michele Earle-Bridges. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
5. Debra M., DVM Eldredge, Liisa D., DVM Carlson, Delbert G., DVM Carlson, Jame M., MD Giffin, Beth Adelman. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.

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