Proteinuria in dogs and cats |
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Authors: | Leyenda Harley Cathy Langston |
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Institution: | New Haven Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, 843 State Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, USA (Harley); The Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, New York 10065, USA (Langston) |
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Abstract: | Proteinuria is defined as the presence of protein in the urine. Normally, circulating serum proteins are blocked by the glomerulus due to size and/or charge. Any small proteins that pass through a healthy glomerulus are reabsorbed by the renal tubules or broken down by renal tubular epithelial cells. Persistent proteinuria, in the absence of lower urinary tract disease or reproductive tract disease, is usually an indication of renal damage or dysfunction. Less commonly persistent proteinuria can be caused by increased circulating levels of low molecular weight proteins. This article reviews mechanisms of proteinuria in dogs and cats and discusses the importance of screening for and ultimately treating proteinuria. |
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