Juvenile renal disease and other familial and congenital renal diseases are seen in more than thirty breeds of dogs. Twenty two of these breeds have a renal dysplasia which is similar to that seen in Standard Poodles. I have put an (RD) for renal dysplasia after their breed names. Even in breeds with the same type of JRD, such as renal dysplasia, the modes of inheritance can be different. Ages at onset of symptoms can vary from a few weeks (Cairn terriers) to 5 - 11 years (German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Beagles). Modes of inheritance can vary from X linked dominant (Samoyed) to autosomal recessive (Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Shih-Tzu), autosomal dominant (Bull Terrier), to unknown familial (most of the others).
The following breeds are some of those in which familial and other renal diseases are seen:
- Airedale Terriers (RD)
- Alaskan Malamutes (RD)
- Basenjis (Fanconi-like syndrome)
- Beagles (unilateral agenesis, dysplasia, & polycystic kidneys)
- Bedlington Terriers (RD)
- Boxers (RD)
- Bulldogs (RD)
- Bull Terriers (glomerulopathy)
- Cairn Terriers (polycystic kidneys)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (RD)*
- Chinese Shar-Pei (amyloidosis)
- Chow Chows (RD)
- Cocker Spaniels (glomerulopathy and RD)
- Collies (glomerulopathy)
- Doberman Pinschers (unilateral agenesis and glomerulopathy)
- Flat-coated Retriever (RD)*
- Golden Retrievers (RD)
- Great Danes (RD)
- Great Pyrenees (RD)
- Irish Wolfhounds (RD)
- Keeshonds (RD)
- King Charles Spaniels (RD)
- Lhasa Apso (RD)
- Miniature Poodles (polycystic kidneys)
- Miniature Schnauzers (RD and Fanconi-like syndrome)
- Newfoundlands (glomerulopathy)
- Norwegian Elkhounds (tubulointerstitial nephropathy and Fanconi-like syndrome
- Old English Sheepdogs (RD)
- Pekingese (unilateral agenesis and RD)
- Samoyeds (glomerulopathy)
- Shetland Sheepdogs (unilateral agenesis, medullary cystic disease and Fanconi-like syndrome)
- Shih Tzus (RD)
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers (RD)
- Standard Poodles (RD)
- Swedish Foxhounds (RD)
- Tibetan Spaniel (RD)
- Tibetan Terrier (RD)
- Welsh Corgis (telangiectasia)
- Yorkshire Terriers (RD)
Reference:
1. Kruger, J.M., Osborne, C.A., et al. : Congenital and Hereditary Disorders of the Kidney. Veterinary Pediatrics Dogs & Cats from Birth to Six Months., 2nd edition. (J.D. Hoskins, ed.) W.B.Saunders, Philadelphia, Pa, 1995: pp 401-406.
* A sex predisposition for renal dysplasia was detected for Flat-coated Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, in which females represented 87,5% and 85,0 %, respectively, of the cases. (October 24, 2003) Renal dysplasi hos hund. http://vfak-epsilon.slu.se/archive/00000046/
I have also heard from a number of owners of Labrador Retriever puppies who have been diagnosed with a juvenile renal disease., and I have had reports of a familial renal dysplasia in English Setters.
(some of the breeds in which juvenile and familial renal diseases are seen)
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Juvenile and Familial Renal Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Research, References
Pathology of Urinary System: Physiology and Anatomy: many teaching slides
Canine Kidney Disease: Mechanism of Kidney Function, Management of Kidney Failure
Collie
( Glomerulopathy )
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The following are some of the symptoms that may be seen in dogs with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF).
(Note that dogs with acute renal failure (ARF), which is sometimes reversible with early medical intervention and
support, may have a complete cessation of urination rather than an increased frequency)
Obviously, not all dogs with Chronic Renal Failure will exhibit all of these symptoms. They are listed in the order
in which they generally appear.
- Increased water consumption (polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Dilute urine (little color or odor, because the kidneys are no longer capable of concentrating urine)
- Depression
- Diminished appetite (anorexia)
- Discoloration of teeth
- Chemical odor to the breath
- Nausea and vomiting (seen particularly with a very high BUN (blood urea nitrogen))
Dogs who are nauseated often lick their noses repeatedly
- Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance
- Weight loss
- Pale mucous membranes because of anemia
- Oral (mouth) ulcers
- Shivering (from diminished number of red blood cells that result from the anemia seen in renal failure)
- Muscle wasting
- Diarrhea
How to Read Veterinary Laboratory Tests
Creatinine What it is and Why it is Important
Urinalysis Explained
Urine Specific Gravity (USG): What it Means and What Influences the Results
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): What it Measures: Reasons for Increased and Decreased BUN
Proteinuria (Protein in the Urine) An Important Clue to Kidney Disease
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Test for Assesment of Renal Function
Ultrasound : Normal Renal Size for Dogs, and Abnormalities
Kidney Biopsies: How and When to Perform It?
Preventing Progression and Complications of Renal Disease
Canine Kidney Disease: Mechanism of Kidney Function, Management of Kidney Failure : IV therapy, phosphate binders, vitamins C and B-complex, Omega-3 fatty acids
Function of the Kidney and the Function of Nutrition in Renal Disease: Addresses the Need for Adequate Protein in Renal Disease
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF): diagnostic tests explained, treatment options, role of phosphate binders
Chronic Renal Disease (CRD): and Chronic Renal Failure (CRF): Anemia, Calcitriol, Omega 3s, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, Hypertension, Acid Base Balance
Acute Renal Failure (ARF): causes, pathophysiology, clinical course, diagnosis, renal biopsy, treatment, prognosis
Acute Renal Failure in the Dog and Cat: Causes and Outcomes
Acute Renal Failure: From Emergency to Recovery
Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
Managing a Renal Crisis
Celebrating Cleo
This information was compiled especially for those new to canine CRF, and who are feeling terrified, all alone, and overwhelmed. Here you will find the basic information you need to learn right now regarding diet, fluids, supplements, phosphorus binders, where to buy supplies, and where to find emotional support. There is much to learn about Chronic Renal Failure; this just covers the basics so that you can begin taking care of your dog immediately.
Cleo's renal numbers were already high at diagnosis, but one month later those numbers were truly gruesome. Creatinine and phosphorus had risen to 16, and her BUN was at 164. By following these basic guidelines, resolving other CRF-related issues, and with a lot of luck, those numbers had dropped by more than half 3 months later. Creatinine was down to 7, phosphorus to 4, and BUN generally around 60. They remained in that range for several months.
This is dedicated to the memory of a very special dog named Cleo. She taught me how to feel complete joy in the face of sadness, how to meet adversity with optimism and hope, and how to spend every day living in the moment with her.
- Marilyn and Cleo (10/1/99-11/8/03, CRF)
Grape and Raisin Toxicity Can Cause Renal Failure and Death If Not Promptly Diagnosed and Treated
Grape and Raisin Toxicity, Symptoms, Treatment and Management, from ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435
Management of Acidosis Is Sodium Bicarbonate Useful?
The Differences Between Phosphorus Binders: Where to Buy or Have Compounded Online
Calcitriol Reference Page
Calcitriol Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The use of Reglan (Metoclopramide) in pets to control nausea and vomiting
Clinical efficacy and safety of recombinant canine erythropoietin in dogs with anemia of chronic renal failure and dogs with recombinant human erythropoietin-induced red cell aplasia
A Changing Role for ACE Inhibitors In Renal Disease
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Cocker Spaniel
(Glomerulopathy)
Cystinuria in Newfoundland Dogs: Test Available at the University of Pennsylvania
Gene-Mapping Project for Renal Dysplasia in the Shih Tzu
New Linked DNA Marker Test for Hereditary Renal Dysplasia in the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A Two Gene Theory of RD Inheritance in Lhasas
George E. Lees, DVM, MS is researching Hereditary Nephritis in English Cocker Spaniel Dogs, at Texas A&M University Veterinary School Phone: (409) 845-2351; FAX (409) 845-6978
A new familial glomerolonephropathy in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Glomerulonephritis and Borreliosis in Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Renal Dysplasia)
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The paragraphs below are from
Clinical article on Juvenile renal disease (JRD) in standard poodles
by Susan L. Fleisher
Treatments for the symptoms of JRD (juvenile renal disease) have long included a low protein prescription diet. It seems clear, however, from the research done by Kenneth C. Bovee, DVM, MMedSc, "Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function", and Delmar R. Finco, DVM, Ph.D., "Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Renal Functions", that low protein diets do not extend the life of dogs with renal disease. The predominant effect of the low protein diet is to minimize production of uremic toxins so that the patient feels better. Phosphorus is more important in extending the life and well being of a dog with renal disease, since high phosphorus accelerates renal failure, and restricted phosphorus slows it down. Prescription diets for dogs with renal failure are low in phosphorus, so they remain a good foods for dogs in this condition. Low phosphorus diets allow management of secondary hyperparathyroidism by restricting phosphorus intake and reducing phosphorus absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. (5, 6)
Serum phosphorus levels are often not elevated in cases of juvenile renal disease. Where the reduction in renal function progresses slowly, the puppy compensates and the serum phosphorus levels can remain normal. In the cases I have followed, although BUN and creatinine levels were often greatly elevated, serum phosphorus levels were increased in only about 50% of cases.
Feeding three or four small meals a day lessens the chance of vomiting. The protein fed should be of a high quality
5.. Polzin, D.J.; Osborne, C.A.: Update - Conservative Medical Management of Chronic Renal Failure. Current Therapy IX (R.W. Kirk, ed.) W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA., 1986 pp 1167-1173.
6. Finco, D.R.: The Role of Phosphorus Restriction in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure of the Dog and Cat; Proc. 7th Kal Kan Sypm. . Veterinary Learning Systems, Lawrenceville, NJ 1983; pp 131-133
Several books contain recipes for homemade meals for dogs on low phosphorus and low protein diets. Among them are:
"Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657. www.isupress.edu (ISBN: 0813821495)
"Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.",
Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000
.
Shih Tzu
(Renal Dysplasia)
Food Science & Human Nutrition Department University of Illinois: easy to use and complete nutrient analysis tool Design a menu or obtain food values for foods you are feeding
USDA Searchable Food Values Database:
Function of the Kidney and the Function of Nutrition in Renal Disease Addresses the Need for Adequate Protein in Renal Disease
Mythology of Protein Restriction in Dogs With Reduced Renal Function
Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Renal Functions
Nutrition and Chronic Renal Failure
dietary intake and the roll of dietary lipids in progression
Diet and Renal Disease: Myths and Realities
Effects of Dietary Lipids on Renal Function in Dogs and Cats
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Dogs With Renal Disease, and links to articles on various types of renal disease
Among the petfood companies that make commercial prescription diets for dogs with kidney failure are:
Central Site for Information On and Links to Companies That Make Prescription Diets for Dogs and Cats
Hills Petfood
Iams Eukanuba Early Stage Renal Disease Petfood
Iams Eukanuba Advanced Stage Renal Disease Petfood
Purina Canine Diets
Triumph Petfood
Back to Table of Contents
Doberman Pinscher
(Unilateral Agenesis)
USDA Searchable Food Values Database:
Nutrition Data : Analyse any Food; Compare Multiple Foods; Find Foods that Match Specific Criteria
Food Science & Human Nutrition Department University of Illinois: easy to use and complete nutrient analysis tool. Design a menu or obtain food values for foods you are feeding
Several books contain recipes for homemade meals for dogs on low phosphorus and low protein diets. Among them are:
"Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657. www.isupress.edu (ISBN: 0813821495)
"Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.",
Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000
.
The following two recipes are from "Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, The Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657.
Egg & Potato Diet (low-protein, low-phosphorous, high-potassium, normal
sodium)
1 egg, large, cooked
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
1 tablespoon chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/2 mulitple-mineral tablet
Provides 600 kilocalories, 15.1 grams protein, 18.5 grams fat.
Supports caloric needs of an 18-pound dog
Provides phosphorus at 53 percent, potassium at 322 percent, sodium at 114
percent of dogs daily needs. To feed this diet with a normal amount of
phosphorus, substitute 3 bonemeal tablets for the 1 1/2 carbonate tablets.
Chicken and Potato diet (low protein low phosphorus, high potassium, low
sodium)
1/4 cup cooked chicken breast
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
2 tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
Provides 689 kilocalories, 18.9 grams protein, 26.8 grams fat.
Supports caloric needs of a 21-22 pound dog
Provides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 301 percent, sodium at 54
percent of a dog's daily needs. To feed this diet with a normal amount of
phosphorus, substitute 4 bonemeal tablets for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate
tablets.
The following recipe was made available by Hills Petfood Prescription Diets
The recipe is taken from:
"Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.",
Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000,
.
70 authors.
(use beef with regular fat content, NOT lean beef (note S. Fleisher))
Rice, Beef and Egg Diet
(Balanced low-protein, Low-phosphorus homemade formulas for adult dogs
***)
Daily food as fed formulation for a 18-kg dog
Ingredients Grams (To convert grams to ounces, multiply the grams by .0353)
Rice, white, cooked*** 237
Beef, regular, cooked + 78
Egg, large, boiled 20
Bread, white 50
Oil, vegetable 3
Calcium carbonate 1.5
Salt, iodized 0.5
Total 390
Nutrient analysis (DM)++
Dry matter (%) 41.0
Energy (kcal/l 00 g) 445
Protein (%) 21.1
Fat (%) 13.7
Linoleic acid % 1.8
Crude fiber (%) 1.4
Calcium (%) 0.43
Phosphorus (%) 0.22
Potassium (%) 0.26
Sodium (%) 0.33
Magnesium 0.091
*Also feed one human adult vitamin-mineral tablet daily to dogs to ensure all vitamins and trace minerals are included.
**ESHA Research. Diet Analysis Software. Food Processor Plus, version
5.03, 1990 Salem, OR. Agricultural Software Consultants, Inc. Mixit
2+, version 3.0,1991, Kingsville, TX
***May substitute rice baby cereal and flavor either selection with
meat broth during cooking.
+Retain the fat.
++Nutrients of concern are protein, phosphorus, and potassium.
The treat recipe is from Brad Luther. He and his veterinarian made the recipe for Brad's Boxer, Albi
i have adapted these ingredients to meet albi's needs. there are many
healthy ingredients other dogs can eat but because of her situation this
recipe is limited. with input from the vet, these ingredients have been
chosen for easy processing by the kidneys.
albi's treats:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 Tblsps. low sodium, low fat chicken broth
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup cooked vegetable (green beans, carrots or mixed)
combine flour and garlic powder. mix in chicken broth and vegetable(s).
add enough cold water to form a ball. pat dough to 1/2" and cut with a
dog biscuit cutter, cookie cutter or knife. place on a non-stick cookie
sheet & bake in a preheated oven @ 350F for 25 minutes. cool on a wire
rack. Since there are no preservatives, i recommend storing them in the
refrigerator if they are not eaten within a week. they can also be made
ahead and frozen.
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The Canine Renal Disease site is intended to be informative only. I am not a veterinarian, and do not endorse any particular treatment or diet for dogs with renal disease. The only people who can make an informed decision about proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment and management of any particular case, are the dog's owner and the treating veterinarian(s).
Susan L. Fleisher
Make a small contribution toward the upkeep of the Kidney Disease in Dogs website
e-mail Susan L. Fleisher
Berkeley, CA
1/31/99
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