โรคโกลเมอรูโลเนฟริติส

Key Facts

• Caused by antigen-antibody complexes from chronic inflammation sticking in glomerular membranes
• Sources: chronic ear/skin infections, dental disease, heartworm, Lyme disease, tumors
• Diagnosis: elevated urine protein on urinalysis + low blood albumin
• Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) quantifies protein loss; >0.5 dogs / >0.4 cats is abnormal
• UPC >3.5 is particularly concerning; increased risk of abnormal blood clotting
• Nephrotic syndrome: severe complication with protein loss + low albumin + edema + high cholesterol
• Treatment: ACE inhibitors (enalapril/benazepril), ARBs (telmisartan/losartan), omega-3 fatty acids, low-protein/low-sodium diet
• Goal: reduce UPC by 50% in dogs, 90% in cats
• Kidney biopsy needed for definitive subtype diagnosis; 3% mortality rate from procedure
• ~50% of cases may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy (only identified by biopsy)
• Species: dogs and cats