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Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is kidney disease where the glomerular filtration membranes become leaky, allowing blood proteins to escape into the urine. It differs from typical kidney failure (toxin buildup) and is primarily a disease of protein loss.
Key Facts
- Caused by antigen-antibody complexes from chronic inflammation sticking in glomerular membranes
- Sources: chronic ear/skin infections, dental disease, heartworm, Lyme disease, tumors
- Diagnosis: elevated urine protein on urinalysis + low blood albumin
- Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) quantifies protein loss; >0.5 dogs / >0.4 cats is abnormal
- UPC >3.5 is particularly concerning; increased risk of abnormal blood clotting
- Nephrotic syndrome: severe complication with protein loss + low albumin + edema + high cholesterol
- Treatment: ACE inhibitors (enalapril/benazepril), ARBs (telmisartan/losartan), omega-3 fatty acids, low-protein/low-sodium diet
- Goal: reduce UPC by 50% in dogs, 90% in cats
- Kidney biopsy needed for definitive subtype diagnosis; 3% mortality rate from procedure
- ~50% of cases may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy (only identified by biopsy)
- Species: dogs and cats