Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXV, Issue 1
Written by Roxana-Mariana IGNĂTESCU (ŢÎMPĂU), Ana-Maria GOANŢĂ, Ana-Maria BĂDULESCU, Daniela BRĂSLAŞU, Lucian IONIŢĂ
Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) is a general term used to describe a list of glomerular disorders characterized by protein loss. Most common breeds affected are: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (adult age), Bernese Mountain Dog, Chinese Shar-pei, Labrador and Golden Retrievers. The main expresion of PLN is proteinuria, which represents the presence of any excessive amount of proteine in the urine. PLNs include glomerulonephritis (GN), glomerulopathy, and amyloidosis, but only histological examination can differentiate these conditions. PLN may arise idiopathically and often co-exists with hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, moderate anemia, hypercholesterolemia, thromboembolism, edema or effusions and progressive renal disease. Diagnosis of PLN involves documenting significant proteinuria. Urine analysis should be performed as a complementary test in each routine investigation and elevated urine proteincreatinine ratio might confirm the renal origin of the proteinuria. The main therapeutic objective is the reduction of proteinuria. Resolution of PLN is possible if the underlying condition can be treated, but this is oftentimes difficult.
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