Glomerulonephritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Glomerulonephritis in dogs is an inflammatory disease where the kidneys do not filter blood correctly, leading to a buildup of fluid and waste products. It is relatively common in dogs, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. 

Here you’ll learn what you should know about glomerulonephritis in dogs, including common symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.  

What Is Glomerulonephritis in Dogs?

Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation (swelling) of the glomerulus, the part of the kidney that filters toxins and waste out of the blood. When damage occurs in this area, the body keeps fluid and waste that would normally be removed.  

The risk for high blood pressure and blood clot formation increases.   

Affected dogs typically become lethargic, eat less, and lose weight, among other symptoms. Without treatment, this condition can progress to kidney failure. 

While not a medical emergency at first, it can become one if left untreated. There is a risk for blood clots, severe swelling (nephrotic syndrome), and kidney failure. If you notice any symptoms of kidney disease in your dog, it’s important to schedule a veterinary visit soon to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Symptoms of glomerulonephritis in dogs may include:  

• Lethargy 
• Decreased appetite 
• Weight loss  
• Muscle wasting 
• Increased thirst 
• Increased urination 
• Swelling of the belly or hind legs 
• Increased respiratory (breathing) rate 
• Vomiting  

Causes of Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

The specific cause for glomerulonephritis is not always known. Immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is the most common type among dogs, which means the dog’s immune system creates antibodies that attach to certain antigens the dog encounters, such as bacteria or viruses.  

While this can be helpful to fight against infection, too large of an immune response can cause inflammation and damage in the kidneys.  

Immune-mediated glomerulonephritis may result from the following:  

• Chronic inflammation 
• Bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections, such as leptospirosis  
• Cancer 
• Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease 
• Dental disease 
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus 

For the remaining cases, there may be several contributing factors to getting this disease, which may include:  

• Genetics: Certain dog breeds may have an increased risk of the disease because of their genetic makeup. These breeds may include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bull Terriers, and Shih Tzu. 
• Medications: Aminoglycosides, such as neomycin, may increase the risk for kidney damage if used chronically or in high doses. 
• Toxin ingestion: Accidental swallowing of toxins, such as antifreeze, can cause significant inflammation in the glomeruli. 
• Idiopathic: This term means that the disease occurs without a known cause. 
• Age: Middle-aged and older dogs are at an increased risk of glomerulonephritis because of age-related changes.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Glomerulonephritis in dogs is diagnosed using a physical exam, a thorough history, and diagnostic testing.  

During your pet’s visit, your vet will want to know what symptoms you are noticing, when symptoms began, and if your dog has had any exposure to medications or toxins.  

To diagnose this condition, you can expect your vet to do the following:  

• Physical exam: Your vet will thoroughly look over your dog from head to toe to note any obvious abnormalities that should be further checked, such as muscle wasting or abdominal pain. 
• Blood work: A sample of blood is used to check for abnormalities, such as decreased kidney function and abnormal electrolyte levels. Signs of infection and inflammation can also be noted.  
• Urinalysis: A small sample of urine can show protein loss or low concentration, which are abnormal and consistent with glomerulonephritis. 
• Blood pressure: A dog’s blood pressure can be checked to see if it is abnormally high to support a diagnosis.   
• Imaging: Radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound can be used to look at the structure of the kidneys to note any abnormalities. Advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, may be used in some cases.  
• Renal biopsy: This test involves taking a small sample of kidney and sending it to a laboratory to identify the disease present. Because this is an invasive test needing sedation, your vet will decide whether it is needed for your pet.  

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Glomerulonephritis in dogs should be treated right away. Left untreated, it can progress to chronic kidney disease and become life-threatening. 

Treatment for glomerulonephritis may include: 

• Diet change, such as Purina Pro Plan NF, which has a low protein and sodium content and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to counteract inflammation 

• Anti-clotting medications, such as clopidogrel, to reduce the risk for blood clots due to protein loss  

• ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril, to reduce blood pressure and protein loss in the urine 

• Immunosuppressive medications, such as cyclosporine, to lower the immune response in immune-mediated cases  

• Diuretics, such as furosemide, to remove abnormal fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen 

• Hospitalization and supportive care, such as IV fluids, to restore electrolytes and hydration 

Recovery and Management of Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Recovery from glomerulonephritis varies widely based on the underlying cause and how the dog responds to treatment. If diagnosed and treated early, the outlook is better and dogs can live for many years.  

However, if the disease gets worse and the dog gets secondary complications, such as chronic kidney disease or nephrotic syndrome, medical management for the rest of the dog’s life is necessary and the chance of recovery is poor. 

Prevention of Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Because the exact cause of glomerulonephritis is unknown, it is difficult to know the best prevention strategies.  

However, consider the following tips to support a healthy lifestyle and reduce risk for disease:  

• Ensure your dog gets regular veterinary care to support overall health and find concerns early.  

• Keep your dog up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention to protect against infections.  

• Schedule routine professional dental cleanings and do at-home dental care to support good oral hygiene. 

• Always follow your vet’s instructions closely for any prescribed medications.  

• Keep toxins secure and out of reach of your dog to avoid accidental ingestion.