Glomerulonephritis

What is glomerulonephritis?

Your dog's kidneys are made up of many small filter units called glomeruli. They are responsible for removing toxins, excess water and electrolytes from the blood and excreting them in the urine. If the glomeruli are inflamed, this is known as glomerulonephritis. This means that the filter function of the kidneys is impaired and harmful substances can accumulate in the blood. There may also be a loss of protein in the urine, which leads to a lack of important blood proteins.

How does glomerulonephritis develop?

Glomerulonephritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that your dog's immune system attacks and destroys its own kidney cells. The exact causes of this are not yet fully understood, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of glomerulonephritis. These include:

• Genetic predisposition: Some dog breeds are more likely to be affected by glomerulonephritis than others, for example Collies, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to inflammation of the kidneys, for example streptococcus (which often causes gingivitis or uterine inflammation), leptospirosis or Lyme disease.
• Tumors: Cancers such as lymphomas or mast cell tumors can lead to an overproduction of antibodies, which are deposited in the kidneys and trigger inflammation.
• Hormonal disorders:Diabetes or adrenal gland disorders can lead to an imbalance of hormones that affect kidney function.
• Medications: Some medications can be toxic to the kidneys or cause an allergic reaction, for example sulfonamides or gentamycin.

What are the symptoms of a dog with glomerulonephritis?

The symptoms of glomerulonephritis can vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease. Common signs are:

• Blood in the urine: Your dog's urine may be reddish in color or foamy.
• Weight loss: Your dog may lose appetite or lose muscle mass due to protein loss.
• Lethargy: Your dog may appear tired and listless or be less active than usual.
• Edema: Your dog may retain fluid in the body, especially in the legs and abdomen. This can lead to visible swelling.
• High blood pressure: The increased pressure in the blood vessels can lead to headaches, nosebleeds or eye problems.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial in preserving kidney function and avoiding complications.

How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed?

To diagnose glomerulonephritis, your vet will need to carry out various tests. These include:

• A clinical examination: Your vet will examine your dog for signs of edema, high blood pressure or other abnormalities.
• Ablood test : Your vet will measure the concentration of urea, creatinine, protein and other substances in your dog's blood to assess kidney function.
• Aurinalysis: Your vet will test your dog's urine for blood, protein, bacteria or other abnormalities.
• Anultrasound examination: Your vet will look at your dog's kidneys with an ultrasound machine to assess their size, shape and structure.
• A kidney biopsy: In some cases, it may be necessary to take a small tissue sample from your dog's kidney and examine it under a microscope. This can help to determine the exact cause and degree of inflammation.

How is glomerulonephritis treated?

The treatment of glomerulonephritis depends on the cause, stage and general condition of your dog. It usually includes the following measures:

• Medication: Your vet will prescribe medication for your dog to suppress the immune response and relieve the inflammation. These include cortisone or other immunosuppressants, for example. Your dog may also be given medication to lower blood pressure, promote fluid elimination or inhibit blood clotting.
• Diet: Your vet will recommend a special diet for your dog that relieves the kidneys and compensates for protein loss. This includes a reduction of protein, phosphorus and salt in the diet as well as sufficient fluid intake.
• Infusions: If your dog is severely dehydrated or has high levels of toxins in his blood, he may need intravenous fluid therapy to stabilize his fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Dialysis: In severe cases, it may be necessary to give your dog dialysis. This is a procedure in which your dog's blood is purified outside their body. Dialysis can be life-saving if the kidneys fail, but it is also very costly and time-consuming.

What are the chances of recovery for a dog with glomerulonephritis?

The prognosis for a dog with glomerulonephritis depends on many factors, such as the cause, severity, response to therapy and the occurrence of complications. Unfortunately, a complete cure is rarely possible as the damage to the kidneys is usually irreversible. Treatment is therefore aimed at slowing down the progression of the disease, alleviating the symptoms and improving your dog's quality of life. With consistent treatment, many dogs with glomerulonephritis can live long and happy lives.