Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common is immune-complex kidney disease in dogs with kidney
By Schneider, S M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2013·Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Prevalence of immune-complex glomerulonephritides in dogs biopsied for suspected glomerular disease: 501 cases (2007-2012).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 501 dogs suspected of having kidney disease underwent renal biopsies to determine the cause. About half of these dogs were diagnosed with immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN), a type of kidney disease caused by immune system issues. However, many dogs had other kidney problems, and some diagnoses required advanced testing methods to confirm. The study highlights the importance of renal biopsies and specialized testing to accurately identify the type of kidney disease, which is crucial for deciding the right treatment.
People also search for: dog kidney disease symptoms · immune complex glomerulonephritis treatment · renal biopsy in dogs · signs of kidney problems in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glomerulonephropathies are common causes of kidney disease in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) in North American dogs biopsied for suspected glomerular disease. ANIMALS: Renal biopsies (n = 733) submitted to the Texas Veterinary Renal Pathology Service between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2012 were reviewed. Dogs were included if the biopsy was performed for suspected glomerular disease. METHODS: Specimens were evaluated by light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Findings were retrospectively evaluated to categorize the diagnosis for each case. For the diagnosis of ICGN, TEM findings were considered conclusive when LM and IF were equivocal. RESULTS: Of the 501 dogs included in the study, 241 (48.1%) had ICGN; 103 (20.6%) had primary glomerulosclerosis; 76 (15.2%) had amyloidosis; 45 (9.0%) had nonimmune complex (IC) glomerulopathy; 24 (4.8%) had non-IC nephropathy; and, 12 (2.4%) had primary tubulointerstitial disease. Many (66/241; 27.4%) ICGN cases required TEM for definitive diagnosis, including 14 cases (5.8%) that were not suspected on LM. Of cases not diagnosed as ICGN, a substantial proportion (60/260; 23.1%) required TEM to rule out immune complex deposits, including 14 of 189 cases (7.4%) presumptively diagnosed as ICGN on LM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Approximately half of all dogs biopsied for suspected glomerular disease had conditions other than ICGN. Renal biopsy is needed to accurately categorize the underlying disease and direct appropriate treatment. Additionally, TEM and IF evaluations by experienced nephropathologists are necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis in many cases.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635383/