Effect of dietary protein on functional, morphologic, and histologic changes of the kidney during compensatory renal growth in dogs

Two diets similar in caloric density and mineral content, but markedly different in protein content, were used to study the effects of dietary protein on renal function and morphologic and histopathologic changes in dogs that had functional renal tissue reduced by seven-eights nephrectomy. The effects of moderate protein intake (MPrI = 15% protein; dry-matter basis) and high-protein intake (HPrI = 31% protein; dry-matter basis) were studied for the initial 7 months (period 1 [P1]) after renal mass reduction. Diets were then switched between groups during the following 7 months (period 2 [P2]) to evaluate the effects of increased or decreased protein intake. The HPrI caused significantly (P less than 0.05) greater glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal growth than did MPrI during P1. Dogs that maintained HPrI during P1 and MPrI during P2 (group 1) had significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in GFR during P2. Dogs that maintained MPrI during P1 and HPrI during P2 (group 2) had significant (P less than 0.05) improvement in GFR and renal growth during P2. At the end of the study, renal reserve was evaluated in both groups of dogs before and after group 1 was returned to HPrI for 2 weeks. During this 2-week feeding trial, group-1 dogs had marked improvement in renal reserve, relative to group 2, and GFR increased to the terminal P1 values. Results indicate a possible residual benefit from HPrI during the early phase of compensatory renal growth in the form of functional compensatory memory to HPrI. The severity of renal lesions was indistinguishable between dogs of dietary groups during both study phases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of dietary sodium chloride intake on renal function and blood pressure in cats with normal and reduced renal function

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of variations in dietary intake of sodium chloride (NaCl) on systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP) in cats with normal and reduced renal function. ANIMALS: 21 adult cats (7 with intact kidneys [control cats; group C], 7 with unilateral renal infarction with contralateral nephrectomy [remnant-kidney model; group RK], and 7 with unilateral renal infarction and contralateral renal wrapping and concurrent oral administration of amlodipine [remnant-wrap model; group WA]). PROCEDURE: All cats were sequentially fed 3 diets that differed only in NaCl content (50, 100, or 200 mg of Na/kg); each diet was fed for 7 days. The ABP was recorded continuously by radiotelemetry, and renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) was determined on the sixth day of each feeding period. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with NaCl did not affect ABP, but it increased GFR in groups C and WA. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis was activated in groups RK and WA at the lowest NaCl intake, but supplementation with NaCl suppressed this activation in group WA. The lowest NaCl intake was associated with hypokalemia and a high fractional excretion of potassium that decreased in response to supplementation with NaCl. Arterial baroreceptor resetting was evident after chronic hypertension but was not modified by dietary supplementation with NaCl. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low NaCl intake was associated with inappropriate kaliuresis, reduced GFR, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis without evidence of a beneficial effect on ABP. Therefore, this common dietary maneuver could contribute to hypokalemic nephropathy and progressive renal injury in cats.     

Proteinuria as an indicator of early renal disease in bull terriers with hereditary nephritis

A group of non-azotaemic bull terriers from families with hereditary nephritis had significant subclinical renal disease. Of the renal function tests carried out, proteinuria, almost exclusively albumin, was a reliable and early indicator of glomerular abnormality. While 24-hour urinary protein excretion (24 UPE) in the bull terriers was significantly higher than in a group of normal dogs of other breeds, urinary protein excretion (UPE) was also significantly higher when measured by simple single sample tests such as the urinary protein to urinary creatinine ratio (UP/C). UPE in bull terriers was correlated with increasing age, in contrast to lack of correlation in the normal dogs. The degree of proteinuria in affected bull terriers from which renal biopsies were taken correlated with the severity of histopathological changes which mainly affected glomeruli. Light microscopic examination revealed segmentally thickened glomerular and tubular basement membranes, thickened Bowman's capsules and adhesions between glomerular capillaries and Bowman's capsules. Other renal function tests were performed but failed to detect subclinical disease. It is suggested that hereditary nephritis (HN) in bull terriers is similar to that seen in samoyeds, dober-mann pinschers and humans.     

Correlation of Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio and Twenty-Four-Hour Urinary Protein Excretion in Normal Cats and Cats with Surgically Induced Chronic Renal Failure

Urine protein/creatinine (UP/C) ratios and 24-hour urinary protein excretion were compared in clinically normal cats and cats with surgically induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion in 30 clinically normal cats fed a 28% protein diet (dry weight basis) was 4.93 mg/kg/24-hour (SD = 1.34) with a range of 2.99 to 8.88. Mean UP/C ratio in these cats was 0.134 (SD = 0.037) with a range of 0.073 to 0.239. Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion in CRF cats was 10.49 mg/kg/24-hour (SD = 11.28) with a range of 2.16 to 62.93. Mean UP/C ratio in the CRF cats was 0.359 (SD = 0.374) with a range of 0.061 to 1.916. Linear regression showed high correlation (R2 = 0.973, P less than 0.001) between 24-hour urinary protein excretion and UP/C ratio in clinically normal cats and cats with surgically induced chronic renal failure. The regression equation for 24-hour urinary protein excretion versus UP/C ratio was: 24-hour urinary protein excretion = 29.39 (UP/C) + 0.18. Results of this study indicate that UP/C ratios are a valid estimate of 24-hour urinary protein excretion in clinically normal and CRF cats. Dietary protein intake significantly affected UP/C ratios in clinically normal cats and cats with surgically induced CRF. Therefore, the influence of dietary protein should be considered when interpreting UP/C ratios.     

Effects of preoperative administration of carprofen on renal function and hemostasis in dogs undergoing surgery for fracture repair

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of preoperative administration of carprofen on renal function and hemostasis in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for fracture repair. ANIMALS: 26 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Anesthesia was induced with levomethadone, diazepam, and propofol and maintained by administration of isoflurane in oxygen-nitrous oxide. Carprofen (4 mg/kg, SC) was administered 1 hour before induction to 13 dogs (group 1) and after extubation to the other 13 dogs (group 2). All dogs also received carprofen (4 mg/kg, SC, q 24 h) for the first 4 days after surgery. Renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], urinary protein-to-urinary creatinine ratio [UP:UC], and results of urinalysis and biochemical analysis of plasma), hemostatic variables (bleeding time, platelet aggregation, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], and platelet count), and Hct were assessed before and at various time points after surgery. RESULTS: Analysis of results for renal function tests, most of the hemostatic and plasma biochemical variables, and Hct did not reveal significant differences between treatment groups. Values for GFR, UP:UC, PT, APTT, and platelet aggregation were outside reference ranges in many dogs before surgery and during the first 6 hours after surgery. In most dogs, these trauma-induced pathologic changes returned to within reference ranges during the 4-day period after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carprofen did not cause clinically relevant adverse effects in dogs anesthetized for fracture repair after 5 days of treatment, even when it was administered before surgery or given to patients with trauma-induced alterations in renal function or hemostasis.     

Hypercortisolism affects glomerular and tubular function in dogs

Renal function was assessed in 25 dogs with Cushing's syndrome and in 12 healthy controls. Routine renal parameters and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured and urinary biomarkers such as urinary albumin (uALB), urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG), and urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) were assessed by ELISA. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity (uNAG) was determined colorimetrically. All urinary markers were indexed to urinary creatinine concentration (c). Plasma exo- (Cl(exo)) and endo-iohexol (Cl(endo)) clearance were used to measure GFR. Based on a Mann-Whitney U test, urea and Cl(exo) did not differ, sCr was significantly lower, and UPC, uALB/c, uIgG/c, uRBP/c, uNAG/c and Cl(endo) were higher in the dogs with Cushing's syndrome when compared with controls. The findings indicate that glomerular and tubular function are both altered in dogs with Cushing's syndrome. Further longitudinal studies will be required to elucidate the pathogenesis of the changes in GFR.     

Effects of feeding level of milk replacer on body growth,plasma metabolite and insulin concentrations,and visceral organ growth of suckling calves

The objective was to evaluate effects of feeding level of milk replacer on body growth, plasma metabolite and insulin concentrations, and allometric growth of visceral organs in suckling calves. Holstein bull calves (n = 8; 3–4 days of age) were fed either a low amount (average 0.63 kgDM/day, LM) or high amount (average 1.15 kgDM/day, HM) of high protein milk replacer until they were slaughtered at 6 weeks of age. Body weight (BW) at 4, 5, and 6 weeks of age, feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency were higher in the HM than LM calves. The HM group had higher plasma glucose at 3 and 4 weeks of age and insulin levels after the age of 4 weeks compared with LM calves whereas no effect was detected on plasma nonesterified fatty acid or urea nitrogen concentrations. The HM calves had greater empty body weight (EBW), viscera‐free BW and most of the organs dissected than LM calves. Relative weights (% of EBW) of liver, spleen, kidneys, and internal fat were higher, whereas head and large intestine was lower in HM than LM calves. The results suggest that increased milk feeding levels would accelerate the growth of the body and specific organs.     

High susceptibility to zymbal gland and intestinal carcinogenesis in diabetic Otsuka long-evans Tokushima Fatty rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are believed to be risk factors for colorectal cancer in humans. In experiment 1, male nondiabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a model animal of type 2 DM, were whole-body X-irradiated (4 Gy) at 6 and 8 weeks of age and euthanized at 78 weeks of age (n=15, respectively). The incidences of small intestine adenocarcinoma in LETO and OLETF rats were 0% and 30%, respectively. In experiment 2, male LETO and OLETF rats (n=24, respectively) were given s.c. injections of 15 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) once weekly for 3 weeks and euthanized at 36 weeks of age. The incidences of Zymbal gland tumors in LETO and OLETF rats were 0% and 67%, respectively (P<0.001), whereas those of small intestine adenocarcinoma were 0% and 43% (P<0.001) and those of cecum/colon adenocarcinoma were 46% and 79% (P<0.05), respectively. Fatty change of hepatocytes was common in OLETF rats (63%) but not in LETO rats. Serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in OLETF rats were significantly higher than in LETO rats at sacrifice, whereas serum insulin levels in OLETF rats were very diverse. These data suggest that hyperlipidemia plays a significant role in high susceptibility to lower intestinal tract carcinogenesis in OLETF rats; this strain is susceptible to AOM-induced Zymbal gland carcinogenesis.     

Effects of Glucocorticoid Therapy on Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratios and Renal Morphology in Dogs

Glomerulonephritis has been associated with exogenous glucocorticoid administration and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism in the dog. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term glucocorticoid therapy on urine protein:creatinine ratios (UP/Cs) and renal morphology. Nine young-adult male dogs were determined to be healthy and have normal renal function as assessed by physical examination, CBC, serum biochemistry analysis, Knott's test for Dirofilaria immitis , urinaly-sis, urine culture, urine protein electrophoresis, endogenous creatinine clearance, 24-hour urinary protein excretion, and UP/C. Prednisone was administered to each dog at a dosage of 2.2 mg/kg PO bid for 42 days. Urinalysis and UP/C were performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 of treatment. Mean UP/C on day 0 was 0.29 ± 0.10. Mean UP/C increased progressively to a maximum of 1.27 ± 1.02 on day 28. Mean UP/C on day 42 decreased slightly (0.92 ± 0.56) but remained significantly increased above baseline.
The most consistent renal light microscopic finding on necropsy examination was generalized hypercellular glomerular tufts, suggestive of mesangial cell proliferation. Four dogs also had occasional adhesions of glomerular tufts to Bowman's capsule, accompanied by thickening of the capsule. Direct immunofluorescence for immunoglobulin deposition was negative in all dogs. Electron microscopy, evaluated in 7 dogs, was characterized by occasional mild segmental thickening of basement membranes, fusion of visceral cell foot processes, and glomerular adhesions. The results of this study indicate that long-term administration of glucocorticoids results in significant proteinuria and glomerular changes in the dog.     

Effects of phosphorus/calcium-restricted and phosphorus/calcium-replete 32% protein diets in dogs with chronic renal failure.

Twenty-four dogs with induced, severe chronic renal failure were allotted to 2 groups of 12 each. Group-A dogs were fed a 0.4% phosphorus (P)/0.6% calcium, 32% protein diet, and group-B dogs were fed a 1.4% P/1.9% calcium, 32% protein diet. Dogs were studied over 24 months to determine clinical status, survival, blood biochemical alterations, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary excretion of P and protein, renal morphologic changes, and renal tissue concentrations of calcium, P, and magnesium. Group-A dogs developed statistically significant differences from group-B dogs in several blood biochemical values (PCV and total solids, calcium, P, potassium, sodium, chloride, total CO2 (TCO2), anion gap, and parathyroid hormone concentrations) and in urinary P excretion. Mean (+/- SEM) GFR values in group-A and group-B dogs were nearly identical when diets were initiated (group A = 0.73 +/- 0.05 ml/min/kg of body weight; group B = 0.72 +/- 0.08 ml/min/kg), but significantly (P = 0.0346) lower GFR developed in group-B than in group-A dogs over time. At 24 months, GFR in survivors was 0.83 +/- 0.08 and 0.63 +/- 0.15 ml/min/kg for dogs of groups A and B, respectively. Other measurements favored the hypothesis that P/calcium restriction was beneficial, but values failed to reach statistical significance. Survival was greater at 24 months in group-A than in group-B (7 vs 5) dogs, and renal tissue concentrations of calcium and P were higher in group-B than in group-A dogs. Differences were not detected between groups in urinary excretion of protein and in the type or severity of renal lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of low protein intake on the development of the remaining kidney in subtotally nephrectomized immature rats: apoptosis and epidermal growth factor

Effects of low protein intake on the development of the remaining kidney in subtotally (5/6) nephrectomized immature rats were examined. Three week-old weaning rats were kept on a diet containing either 12% (Lp rats) or 18% (Np rats) protein for 4 or 8 weeks after subtotal nephrectomy. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was determined at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy. At 4 or 8 weeks after the operation, glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage were assessed by a standard semiquantitative analysis and were expressed as the glomerular sclerosis index (GSI) and interstitial fibrosis score (IFS), respectively. The localization of DNA fragmented cells in the kidney was examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) -mediated d-UTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and the localization of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) by immunohistochemical methods. BUN concentration was significantly lower in the Lp rats compared with that in the Np rats. Both 4 and 8 weeks after subtotal nephrectomy, GSI and incidence of TUNEL positive cells in the distal tubules were significantly lower in the Lp rats than in the Np rats. Four weeks after the operation, IFS was significantly lower in the Lp rats than in the Np rats. Four and 8 weeks after the operation, EGF positive cells in the distal tubules were more observed in the Lp rats than in the Np rats. These findings reveal that protein restriction is effective in preventing renal tubular scarring in immature rats and that EGF is involved in the process of this prevention.     

羊、鸡抗鼠脂肪细胞膜抗血清对大鼠体脂与生长性能的影响

应用提取的鼠脂肪细胞膜分别免疫羊和鸡 ,所产生的抗血清用于 Wistar大鼠被动免疫。实验 1: 组腹腔注射羊正常血清 , 组腹腔注射羊抗鼠脂肪细胞膜抗血清 ,剂量均为 1m L /只 ,连续注射 4 d。结果表明 ,羊抗鼠脂肪细胞膜抗血清免疫促进了大鼠体增重 ,降低了体脂沉积 ,与对照组相比 ,7周末体重增加 6 .35 % (P<0 .0 5 ) ,饲料摄入增加6 .85 % (P<0 .0 1) ,料重比 (F/G)提高 4 5 .0 0 % (P<0 .0 5 ) ;肾周、附睾、网膜脂肪垫重量分别降低 2 3.92 % (P<0 .0 5 )、34.4 5 % (P<0 .0 5 )、0 .98% ,脂肪总量降低 2 0 .92 %。实验 2 :1组腹腔注射鸡正常血清 ,2组腹腔注射鸡抗鼠脂肪细胞膜抗血清 ,剂量均为 1m L/只 ,连续注射 4 d。结果表明 ,鸡抗鼠脂肪细胞膜抗血清免疫对大鼠的生长发育产生了不利影响 ,7周末 ,免疫大鼠平均体重较对照组减少 4 0 g(P<0 .0 5 ) ,饲料摄入显著降低 (P<0 .0 1) ;对体脂的沉积和血液中 TG和 FFA的影响没有规律 ,且无统计学意义     

Renal excretion of drugs during postnatal development in piglets

The renal excretion of organic acids involves three mechanisms: glomerular filtration, active tubular secretion and passive tubular reabsorption. The postnatal development of each of these mechanisms was assessed in piglets. From birth to 8 weeks of life glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and clearance of p-amino-hippurate (PAH) rose twofold while the maximal tubular secretion of PAH (Tm_PAH) rose fourfold. Thus, the active secretion increased in parallel with GFR when the transport mechanism was unsaturated, whereas it increased about twofold more than GFR at saturation point. Age differences in the passive reabsorption were evaluated by using sulphachlorpyridazine (SCP) as test substance. Although the renal handling of SCP includes both secretion and reabsorption, the age-dependent rise in the ratio between clearance of ultrafiltrable SCP and GFR indicated a relative decrease in reabsorption with age.     

有效微生物群对仔猪生产性能的影响初探

对产后母猪和断奶仔猪饲喂有效微生物菌群(EM),研究其对仔猪生产性能的影响。从产前7d开始给母猪基础饲料中添加5mL/kg的EM菌液,选产仔数不少于8头的3头母猪及其仔猪连续饲喂EM菌28d,仔猪进行断奶,统计母猪的增重、仔猪初生重、断奶重,仔猪成活率等,分析添加EM菌后对母猪生产性能的影响。在这24头断奶仔猪饲料中添加EM菌的饲料,饲喂至60日龄,统计仔猪的增重、采食量、料重比、发病数等,分析EM菌断奶仔猪生产性能的影响。另外选取3头同品种、同批次生产、产仔数相同的母猪及其仔猪饲料中不添加EM菌作为对照。结果表明,母猪产后日均采食量较对照组提高12.07%,仔猪的初生重较对照组提高15.90%,产活仔数提高了12.09%,断奶重增加9.09%,断奶头数增多20.99%,断奶成活率提高8.81%。断奶后仔猪试验组的平均采食量较对照组提高10.26%,料重比降低了7.14%,发病率下降了50.03%。说明EM菌对母猪和仔猪的生产性能均有提高作用,研究结果为EM菌在生猪养殖中的应用提供了基础资料。     

Effects of Dietary Salt Intake on Renal Function: A 2‐Year Study in Healthy Aged Cats

Background

Increasing salt intake to promote diuresis has been suggested in the management of feline lower urinary tract disease. However, high dietary salt intake might adversely affect blood pressure and renal function.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the long‐term effects of increased salt intake on renal function in healthy aged cats.

Methods

This study was controlled, randomized, and blinded. Twenty healthy neutered cats (10.1 ± 2.4 years) were randomly allocated into 2 matched groups. One group was fed a high salt diet (3.1 g/Mcal sodium, 5.5 g/Mcal chloride) and the other a control diet of same composition except for salt content (1.0 g/Mcal sodium, 2.2 g/Mcal chloride). Clinical examination, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure measurement, cardiac and kidney ultrasonography, and urinary and blood tests were performed before and over 24 months after diet implementation. Statistics were performed using a general linear model.

Results

Sixteen cats completed the 2 year study. The only variables affected by dietary salt intake were plasma aldosterone and urinary sodium/creatinine ratio, respectively, higher and lower in the control group all over the study period and urinary specific gravity, lower in the high salt diet group at 3 months.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure, and other routine clinical pathological variables in healthy aged cats were not affected by dietary salt content. The results of this 2 year study do not support the suggestion that chronic increases in dietary salt intake are harmful to renal function in older cats.     

Serum clearance of iodixanol for estimating glomerular filtration rate in calves

To evaluate serum clearance of iodixanol, applicable to the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), clinically healthy and experimentally-induced nephropathy calves were prepared. Iodixanol was administered intravenously at 40 mg I/kg, and blood was withdrawn 60, 120, and 180 min later. Serum iodixanol concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. No statistical difference in GFR was noted between strains (Holstein vs. Japanese Black) or sexes, and the α(2)-adrenergic agonist xylazine increased GFR. In calves subjected to right renal vessel ligation, followed by a left nephrectomy, a marked reduction in GFR was observed with renal ischemic changes. These results suggest that the GFR estimation by serum iodixanol clearance is a ready-to-use tool in calf research and practice owing to the ease of monitoring serial renal function.     

Effects of cimaterol on muscle protein metabolism and its actions in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats.

Objectives were to examine mechanisms underlying anabolic actions of cimaterol in skeletal muscle and to evaluate cimaterol's actions in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats. In the first study growing rats were fed either a control diet or a diet containing cimaterol for 10 days. In a second study sham-thyroidectomized and thyroidectomized (Tx) rats were assigned to one of 5 treatments: control (sham-Tx), Tx, Tx supplemented with cimaterol, Tx injected with triiodothyronine (T3), and Tx rats injected with T3 and supplemented with cimaterol. Effects of treatments on growth, muscle weights and urinary NT-methylhistidine (NMH) excretion were evaluated in both trials. Muscle was also collected for determinations of DNA, RNA, protein and activities of several proteolytic enzymes. Cimaterol caused muscle hypertrophy and increased urinary NMH excretion. Hence, anabolic actions of cimaterol may result from an increase in myofibrillar protein synthesis which exceeds changes in myofibrillar protein degradation. Urinary NMH excretion was reduced by thyroidectomy and increased in hyperthyroid rats and both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were characterized by myopathy. Cimaterol increased muscle weights in hypothyroid but not in hyperthyroid rats. Therefore, cimaterol's anabolic properties are thyroid hormone-independent and antagonized by excess thyroid hormone. Anabolic actions of cimaterol in hypothyroid rat muscle were attributed to an action on protein synthesis because urinary NMH excretion was not affected by cimaterol but muscle RNA concentration was increased. Activities of cathepsins B, D and L and neutral proteinase were dose-related to thyroid status, however, were unrelated to cimaterol-dependent perturbations in NMH excretion. Control of muscle protein balance by thyroid hormones may involve regulation of these enzymes; however, control of muscle protein degradation by cimaterol is likely directed towards other proteolytic mechanisms or to mechanisms which alter susceptibility of myofibrillar proteins to degradation.     

Calculation of urinary enzyme excretion, with renal structure and function in dogs with pyometra

The urinary enzyme markers of renal damage, alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal biopsies were studied to evaluate renal status in dogs with pyometra. After ovariohysterectomy, urinary enzymes were measured daily for 12 days in 55 dogs, and again at a later follow-up visit. Thirteen dogs had high levels of at least one enzyme at initial presentation. Seventeen dogs had a transient increase in urinary enzyme values between one and five days after surgery. Enzyme values usually declined to low activities within 12 post-operative days. Renal biopsies demonstrated tubular abnormalities in many dogs. Mean GFR was 2.4 and 2.0 ml min(-1) kg(-1), respectively on day 1 post-operatively and at the follow-up visit 1-4 months later. High urinary enzyme values often reflected extensive lesions in renal proximal tubular cells and sometimes reduced GFR.     

Glomerular filtration rate in dogs with leishmaniasis and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement is an indicator of kidney function. However, its usefulness in dogs at early stages of spontaneous chronic kidney disease (CKD) of glomerular origin, where routine laboratory techniques are not sufficiently sensitive, remains unproved. HYPOTHESIS: That GFR is reduced in proteinuric nonazotemic or mildly azotemic dogs with CKD secondary to leishmaniasis. ANIMALS: Twenty-six dogs with CKD secondary to leishmaniasis and 10 healthy dogs (control group). METHODS: CBC, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis (microalbuminuria and urine protein/creatinine ratio [UPC]) were performed in all dogs. GFR was calculated by measuring exogenous creatinine clearance. Based on degree of proteinuria and serum creatinine concentration (SCr), dogs were classified as group A (control; n = 10): UPC < 0.2, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group B (n = 8): UPC, 0.2-0.5, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group C (n = 10): UPC > 0.5, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group D (n = 5): SCr, 1.4-2 mg/dL; group E (n = 3): SCr > 2 mg/dL. Results: GFR (mL/kg/min) was 3.9 +/- 0.29, 4.4 +/- 0.74, 4.5 +/- 1.44, 2.8 +/- 0.97, and 1.5 +/- 0.43 for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Eleven dogs (1 from group B, 3 from group C, 4 from group D, and all 3 dogs from group E) had an abnormally low GFR. Four dogs from group B and 5 dogs from group C had a GFR above the upper reference range (>4.5 mL/min/kg). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some proteinuric nonazotemic or mildly azotemic dogs with leishmaniasis have low GFR, but glomerular hyperfiltration occurs in other dogs.     

Characterization of the renal response to protein ingestion in dogs with experimentally induced renal failure.

Effects of a protein meal (2.7 g of casein/kg of body weight) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were assessed in dogs after 15/16 nephrectomy (n = 10), and were compared with observations in dogs with intact kidneys (n = 5). Increase in GFR and RPF was observed in both groups of dogs between 1.5 and 8 hours after protein ingestion. A maximal value for GFR was observed between 4 and 5 hours after protein ingestion in dogs of both groups. Enhancement of urinary protein excretion was evident in partially nephrectomized dogs after protein ingestion (P less than 0.05), a result that was confirmed by 24-hour total urine collection from partially nephrectomized dogs fed a balanced ration. A qualitatively similar vasodilatory response was observed in partially nephrectomized dogs and in dogs with intact kidneys, and the mean maximal increase of GFR and RPF expressed as a percentage of baseline values in the latter dogs (47.0 +/- 8.1 and 43.6 +/- 10.3%, respectively) exceeded that observed in partially nephrectomized dogs (20.8 +/- 2.2 and 22.7 +/- 6.3%, respectively; P less than 0.01). The incremental response of the kidneys to protein ingestion was directly related to the degree of renal function, as reflected in the linear regression relationship between the incremental increase in GFR and the baseline value for GFR (P less than 0.01, R2 = 0.721).