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Urinarias

Glomerulonephritis (renal protein loss)

Damage to the kidney's filters (the glomeruli) that causes protein to be lost through the urine. The animal loses important proteins from the blood.

Severe🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Swelling of the legs or abdomen (due to the lack of protein)
  • • Weight loss
  • • Lethargy and loss of appetite
  • • Drinking and urinating more
  • • Foamy urine

Causes

Often secondary to a chronic infection, an immune-mediated disease or tick-borne diseases (Leishmania, Ehrlichia). Sometimes the cause is not identified.

Diagnosis

Urinalysis (elevated protein), blood tests and, in selected cases, a kidney biopsy. Searching for the underlying disease.

Treatment

Treating the underlying cause, a renal diet, medication to reduce protein loss and protect the kidney. Regular monitoring.

Prevention

Treating chronic infections, tick control, routine blood tests.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your pet's legs or abdomen become swollen, or if it loses weight along with lethargy.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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