Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lead poisoning causing kidney damage in two dogs
By King, J B·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2016·Veterinary Specialist Services, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Proximal tubular nephropathy in two dogs diagnosed with lead toxicity.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs were brought to the vet with vague symptoms, and both were found to have lead poisoning. Tests showed signs of kidney damage, including glucose and protein in their urine, and elevated lead levels in their blood. One dog had a known history of lead ingestion, while the other was diagnosed after testing. Treatment focused on removing the lead from their systems, and both dogs received supportive care. With proper treatment, they were able to recover from the effects of lead toxicity.
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Abstract
CASE REPORT: Lead toxicity was diagnosed in two dogs presenting with vague clinical symptoms. Complete blood count, biochemical testing and imaging changes showed a metarubricytosis in dog 1, but were largely normal in dog 2. Both dogs had glucosuria and proteinuria on urinalysis consistent with damage to the proximal renal tubules. Both animals returned elevated blood lead levels. A history of ingestion of lead was reported by the owner in one dog and elucidated from the second owner once the animal had recorded elevated blood lead levels. CONCLUSION: Lead toxicity is rarely reported in the human literature as a cause of proximal tubular dysfunction. To the author's knowledge this is the first case report specifically examining this in the dog. The clinical awareness that lead is a potential cause of proximal renal tubular dysfunction offers another tool to assist the clinician in the diagnostic process. This is particularly important given that the clinical signs and minimum database findings in animals with lead toxicosis are highly variable. Evidence of proximal tubular dysfunction should trigger the clinician to closely examine the history for a potential source of lead exposure and consider submitting samples to test blood lead levels.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27461352/