A suspected case of familial nephropathy in the Cocker Spaniel

Authors: Potter JS, McSporran KD, James MP
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 5, pp 65-66, May 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Genetics, Inherited disease/conditions, Pathology, Kidney/renal disease, Urinary system/urology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: A 16-month-old Cocker Spaniel bitch was presented to one of us seven weeks after a routine ovario-hysterectomy. The bitch had a reduced appetite, pronounced lethargy and occasional emesis after eating. Clinical signs were normal apart from a muco-purulent bilateral conjunctival discharge and an apparent weight loss. The bitch was treated with a course of amoxycillin orally and tetracycline eye ointment. The bitch was presented again three days later after vomiting all ingested food over that period. A haemogram revealed a white cell count of 14.6 x 10⁹/L, with mild neutrophilia (12.3 x 10⁹/L) and left shift (0.9 x 10⁹/L). Haemoglobin levels were normal, as were levels of liver and pancreatic enzymes, and albumin (25 gm/L) was mildly depressed. Blood urea was elevated (49.2 mmol/L) and urine examination showed large numbers of granular casts in the sediment. From these latter findings a provisional diagnosis of renal failure was made, but despite treatment with antibiotics, anabolics and fluids, the bitch deteriorated and was euthanased a week later. At necropsy, both kidneys had a narrow, pale cortex with some scar tissue present…

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