Vet’s 2025 Guide to Glomerulonephritis in Dogs – Causes, Diagnosis & Management 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

💡 What Is Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidneys’ glomeruli—tiny capillary tufts that filter waste. This is most often due to immune-complex deposition, damaging the filtration barrier and causing protein leakage into urine.

⚠️ Who’s at Risk?

• Immune-mediated disease, infections, cancer, drugs, or toxins can trigger it.
• Familial predisposition: breeds include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Samoyeds, Greyhounds, Rottweilers, Soft‑Coated Wheaten Terriers, Shar‑Peis, Collies, Beagles, Retrievers.
• Age: Typically middle-aged (6–7 yrs), but familial forms may show in puppies.

🧩 Common Signs

• Proteinuria—hallmark feature detected via UPC test or microalbuminuria.
• Hypoalbuminemia → edema, ascites, and ascites-related breathing issues.
• Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension; risk for thromboembolic events & sudden blindness.
• Progress to chronic kidney disease—signs include PU/PD, vomiting, anemia, and weight loss.
• Occasionally, hematuria and hypertension-related ocular signs.

🔬 Diagnostic Steps

• Urinalysis: detect proteinuria, casts; confirm with UPC ratio.
• Bloodwork: CBC, chemistry for albumin, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine.
• Blood pressure: monitor for hypertension contributing to damage.
• Imaging: Ultrasound/x-ray to evaluate kidneys and rule out masses.
• Kidney biopsy: definitive diagnosis when immune intervention is considered.

💊 Treatment & Management

• Address the underlying cause (infection, cancer, autoimmune) when possible.
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril) to reduce protein loss.
• Antithrombotic therapy: low-dose aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent clotting.
• Omega‑3 supplements & low-dose immunosuppressives (steroids, azathioprine) in immune-mediated cases.
• Control hypertension: ACE‑i, +/- amlodipine if needed.
• Kidney‑support diet: low‑protein, low‑phosphorus, moderate sodium to reduce renal workload.
• Fluid support & manage CKD complications, e.g., anemia, acid-base imbalance.

📈 Prognosis & Follow‑Up

• Early detection and management can prolong life; proteinuria reduction is key.
• Regular monitoring: UPC, BP, kidney values every 1–3 months initially.
• Nephrotic syndrome or advanced CKD has a guarded prognosis, but many dogs stabilize.

🛡️ Prevention & Best Practices

• Routine screening—urine and BP checks—in at-risk breeds and during wellness exams.
• Good dental care: treat periodontal disease to reduce immune triggers.
• Avoid long-term nephrotoxic drugs unless necessary; monitor renal health.

📲 Owner Resources & Tools

• Ask A Vet: Telehealth for support on testing, meds, and diet adjustments.

🌟 Case Snapshot

Case: Luna, a 7-year-old Cocker Spaniel, was found with mild proteinuria during screening. Benazepril + renal diet controlled her proteinuria to <0.5 UPC, stabilized kidney values, and she remains active and well monitored. 🐶

✅ Key Takeaways

• Glomerulonephritis is a serious—often immune-mediated—kidney disease marked by proteinuria.
• Early diagnosis through urinalysis, BP, and biopsy improves outcomes significantly.
• Treatment focuses on reducing protein loss, controlling BP, and supporting the kidneys.
• Routine follow-up and diet are essential to long-term management.
• Ask A Vet is your partner for ongoing care and expert support 🩺🐾

📥 Need Guidance?

Concerned about your dog’s kidney health? Download the Ask A Vet app for live support on testing, treatment, and care strategies. Visit AskAVet.com now for dedicated veterinary advice. 🐾🩺