Symptoms & Treatment of Dog Nephritis: Essential Guide

Section 1: Symptoms of Canine Nephritis

Canine nephritis manifests through a variety of symptoms that can be quite distressing for the affected dog. These include a general sense of malaise, weight loss, emaciation, muscle weakness, and progressive anemia. The skin around the chest and abdomen may become swollen due to subcutaneous edema. In some cases, the dog's body temperature may rise, and there may be renal area tenderness during the acute phase. The primary symptoms involve proteinuria, with protein levels in the urine often exceeding 1 gram per liter, leading to oliguria or anuria. The urine's specific gravity increases, and there may be a positive hematuria test, along with visible urinary casts. Due to excessive protein loss in the urine, hypoproteinemia is common. In chronic nephritis cases that progress to renal failure, polyuria and thirst may occur, which can be twice the normal amount. The urine protein levels are significantly elevated. In the later stages, symptoms such as edema, oliguria, uremia, and systemic failure may be observed.

Section 2: Causes of Canine Nephritis

The causes of canine nephritis are largely related to immune mechanisms. Antigenantibody complexes in the bloodstream can adhere to the vicinity of the glomeruli, leading to a reaction that results in basement membrane damage and glomerulonephritis when reinfection occurs. Common antigens include:

Bacteria (primarily pyogenic bacteria), such as those found in skin abscesses or endometritis;

Parasites, such as toxoplasmosis or heartworms;

Malignant tumors;

Some infectious diseases, such as canine hepatitis, parvovirus, tuberculosis, and leptospirosis;

Toxic factors, such as endogenous toxins, sepsis, bacteremia, and others.

Section 3: Diagnostic Points for Canine Nephritis

Acute Nephritis:

Decreased urine output, increased urine specific gravity, and elevated urine protein levels.

Visible transparent casts in the urine sediment, sometimes with epithelial casts, scattered red blood cells, leukocytes, and pathogens.

The dog may exhibit depression, fever, decreased appetite, and occasional vomiting.

The renal area is sensitive, and the kidneys may be enlarged. The dog may be unwilling to move, standing with an arched back, pulling in the abdomen, and tucking the limbs beneath the body. They may walk with a stiff, healthy gait, taking small steps.

Despite frequent urination, the urine volume is reduced. Some dogs may exhibit hematuria or anuria.

Dogs with longerstanding disease may experience circulatory disturbances, systemic venous congestion, and edema around the eyelids, abdomen, and lower limbs. They may also show signs of ascites. Uremic patients may present with generalized muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, decreased body temperature, altered consciousness, weakness, or coma.

Chronic Nephritis:

Chronic glomerulonephritis progresses slowly with mild clinical symptoms.

Dogs may gradually lose weight, and there may be an increase in thirst, leading to compensatory polyuria that can reach twice the normal amount. Urinary protein levels are significantly elevated.

In the late stages, symptoms such as uremia, oliguria, edema, and systemic failure may be observed. Large amounts of transparent casts may be visible in the urine sediment.

Longstanding cases may experience recurrent episodes, leading to symptoms such as weight loss and anemia.

For pet owners seeking more information about canine nephritis, we recommend clicking on the article "How to Treat Canine Nephritis" for further insights.