Fort Collins, Colorado - Two studies to be presented today at the 2002 Forum of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) provide evidence that microalbuminuria, the presence of small amounts of the protein albumin in urine, is indicative of progressive renal disease in dogs. The data support the belief that microalbuminuria may be the first indication of kidney disease in dogs and validates the use of currently available tests for microalbuminuria as a tool to test for progressive kidney disease. Oral presentations will include:
Dr. Greg Grauer, "Development of microalbuminuria in dogs with heartworm disease" (Abstract 103, Thursday May 30, 3:00 pm): The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in dogs with experimentally infected heartworm disease, an established model of progressive kidney disease in dogs. In this study, all dogs developed microalbuminuria and microalbuminuria preceded overt proteinuria when it occurred. Eleven of 12 dogs had histologic evidence of glomerular lesions on light microscopic and/or immunocytochemical evaluation. This study shows that microalbuminuria is a sensitive indicator of kidney damage in dogs with experimentally infected heartworm disease.
Dr. George Lees, "Persistent albuminuria precedes onset of overt proteinuria in male dogs with X-linked hereditary nephropathy" (Abstract 108, Thursday May 30, 4:45 pm): Dr. Lees' study examined the temporal relationship between development of albuminuria and the onset of overt proteinuria in male dogs with X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN). The researchers found that persistent albuminuria was observed for zero to 16 (median, four) weeks prior to the onset of overt proteinuria. They concluded that persistent albuminuria is a reliable indicator of incipient nephropathy in dogs with XLHN, a rapidly progressive glomerular disease. These results support the concept that testing for albuminuria could be an effective method for early detection of other progressive renal diseases involving glomerular damage in dogs.
