Dog urine contains a small amount of protein, which is considered normal. But when the protein in a dog urine is in excess, it results in a condition known as Proteinuria. Let’s learn more about the causes and possible treatment of this condition in this article.
What Is Proteinuria (Excess Protein in Dog Urine)?
Proteinuria is defined as an excess of protein in your dog’s urine. Although dogs’ urine contains a small amount of protein, too much protein can indicate an underlying condition.
Proteinuria in dogs is most commonly caused by kidney disease, but it can also be caused by infections, inflammation or bleeding along the urinary tract, tumors, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Many cases of proteinuria that are unrelated to kidney disease resolve as soon as the underlying condition is treated.
Proteinuria due to kidney disease is an indication that your dog’s kidneys aren’t working properly. Kidneys are normally in charge of filtering waste from the bloodstream and balancing nutrient levels.
However, in dogs with kidney disease, a filtering structure in the kidney called the glomerulus is not functioning properly. Proteins that would normally be kept in the blood can now leak into the urine, where they can be detected by your dog’s veterinarian.
Proteinuria is not a disease in and of itself; rather, it is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Symptoms Of Excess Protein In Dog Urine (Proteinuria)
The symptoms of canine proteinuria vary depending on the underlying condition. Many dogs with proteinuria exhibit no symptoms at all, and the condition is discovered during a routine urinalysis at the veterinarian’s office.
Proteinuria in dogs can be a sign of serious kidney disease, so if you notice symptoms such as lethargy or notice your dog drinking a lot more, you should seek emergency veterinarian care as soon as possible.
Proteinuria in dogs can also be caused by any of the following conditions:
- Edema (swelling) in the legs, lower chest, or abdomen of your dog. Pitting edema occurs when a dimple remains in the swollen area after pressing it.
- Breathing difficulties caused by fluid in your dog’s chest (pleural effusion) or abdomen (known as ascites or peritoneal effusion).
- Clots form in the blood. Blood clot symptoms include difficulty breathing, painful limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. The precise symptoms are determined by the location of the blood clot. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms associated with a blood clot, they require immediate emergency care.
What Causes Excess Protein In Dog Urine?
Proteinuria can be caused by a variety of issues that can occur anywhere along your dog’s urinary tract, including kidney disease. Some of the causes include:
- Hemolysis (when blood cells burst and release hemoglobin protein into the blood) (when blood cells burst and release hemoglobin protein into the blood)
- Rhabdomyolysis (when muscle cells break down and release muscle protein into the blood; this can be caused by strenuous exercise, fever, or seizures) (when muscle cells break down and release muscle protein into the blood; this can be caused by strenuous exercise, fever, or seizures)
- Infections (infection of the bladder, urethra, or ureter; genital infections; Lyme disease; anaplasmosis; ehrlichiosis; heartworm disease; dental disease; bacterial skin disease; endocarditis [infection on a heart valve]; Leishmaniasis) (infection of the bladder, urethra, or ureter; genital infections; Lyme disease; anaplasmosis; ehrlichiosis; heartworm disease; dental disease; bacterial skin disease; endocarditis [infection on a heart valve]; Leishmaniasis)
- Cancers (lymphoma, mast cell tumor, multiple myeloma, transitional cell carcinoma [cancer of the urinary tract], histiocytic sarcoma) (lymphoma, mast cell tumor, multiple myeloma, transitional cell carcinoma [cancer of the urinary tract], histiocytic sarcoma)
- Inflammation caused by conditions such as pancreatitis (pancreatic swelling), inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis
- Kidney problems (injury, failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney cancer)
- Syndrome Fanconi (abnormal functioning of tubules in the kidneys)
- Lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Predisposition due to genetics
- Amyloidosis (a rare disease that causes high levels of certain proteins in the heart, kidneys, and other organs) (a rare disease that causes high levels of certain proteins in the heart, kidneys, and other organs)
- Idiopathic
Diagnosing Excess Protein in Dog Urine
As with most appointments, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination on your dog and will request that you report the onset and severity of any symptoms, as well as any medical history. A urinalysis will be the most important diagnostic tool to confirm the presence of elevated protein in your dog’s urine. This test will also include sediment analysis to determine the presence of any crystals or stones. If a urinary tract infection is suspected, the urine may be cultured to identify specific bacteria that may be causing the infection. The concentration of your dog’s urine will be measured, which can indicate the kidney’s ability or inability to process urine correctly, which can indicate kidney failure.
A blood sample will also be analyzed for a chemical blood profile, which will measure electrolyte levels in your dog’s blood as well as elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, all of which will point to chronic kidney disease caused by glomerular disease. To determine if your dog has hypertension, his blood pressure can be measured using an inflatable cuff. A complete blood count will be performed to determine red and white blood cell and platelet counts, which may indicate anemia, another sign of kidney disease.
If kidney failure is suspected, x-ray and ultrasound imaging can be used to examine the size and shape of your dog’s kidney. A kidney biopsy may be required if the glomerular disease is causing kidney failure.
Treatment Of Proteinuria
Proteinuria is not a disease in and of itself, but it can be an indicator of a more serious underlying health issue.
If your dog has proteinuria, your veterinarian will first determine the root cause. This will almost certainly include additional tests, as well as a detailed history of your dog’s health and any changes in behavior. They may also prescribe medications to prevent blood clots, such as a low dose of aspirin or the blood thinner clopidogrel.
Once the underlying cause has been identified, your veterinarian can devise a treatment plan. Proteinuria is associated with the following conditions and treatments:
#1. Kidney Illness
Proteinuria is a symptom of kidney disease in dogs, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, in rare cases, acute kidney failure. If your dog has kidney disease, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and restore your pet’s quality of life as much as possible.
Kidney disease in dogs can be complicated and difficult to treat, but it usually entails regular testing to monitor kidney function and medications that reduce pressure on the kidneys and help them function better.
Common medications include blood pressure medications (see below) and, if edema is present, diuretics such as furosemide or spironolactone. These medications reduce swelling or fluid buildup in your dog’s chest or abdomen. Your dog may also be given a special diet that is low in sodium, high in protein, and high in omega-3 fatty acids.
#2. Infections
Antibiotics are frequently used to treat infections that cause proteinuria, such as urinary tract infections. Proteinuria frequently resolves after successful treatment.
#3. High Blood Pressure
Proteinuria in dogs can be caused by high blood pressure, which forces protein into the urine through the kidneys. Amlodipine and telmisartan are two common medications used to treat high blood pressure in dogs. Your veterinarian may also prescribe ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or benazepril.
#4. Multiple Myelomas
Tumors that produce antibodies are known as multiple myelomas. They also produce Bence-Jones proteins, which are small enough to pass through the filter of the kidney and into the urine. Proteinuria is caused by these proteins, which can harm the kidney. If your veterinarian suspects your dog has multiple myeloma, a special Bence-Jones protein test can detect these proteins.
Recovery and Management Of Excess Protein In Dog Urine
Treating the underlying condition is required to resolve proteinuria. Proteinuria should be detected as soon as possible so that your veterinarian can determine what’s causing it and develop a treatment plan. In some cases, such as a lower urinary tract infection, the condition is treatable and the proteinuria disappears.
Proteinuria caused by chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Cushing’s disease, or diabetes mellitus may necessitate long-term treatment. Your veterinarian will try to stabilize the disease and prevent long-term kidney damage during treatment.
Dogs with severe kidney disease, such as severe inherited kidney disorder, kidney cancer, or kidney failure, may not be able to stabilize the disease or will only be able to do so for a short period of time.
Monitor your dog’s recovery process and report any changes in health to your veterinarian as soon as possible. You will almost certainly need to schedule follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of your dog’s treatment plan and avoid complications.
If your dog has been prescribed or is supposed to be on a home-cooked special diet, she may be uninterested in the new food because it will be less flavorful than what she is used to. Consult your veterinarian for the best solution, as you may be able to improve the flavor with tuna juice or another liquid.
Proteinuria recovery, regardless of the cause, will necessitate adequate hydration, so always keep fresh water on hand and encourage your dog to drink.
How Do You Reduce Protein In Dog Urine?
Standard therapy is usually initiated. This includes the use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, a low-protein diet, and dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
How Long Can Dogs Live with Proteinuria?
Proteinuria in dogs and cats has a variable prognosis that is most likely determined by the underlying disease. In one study of protein-losing glomerular disease in dogs, the median survival time was 28 days, with the majority of cases succumbing to chronic renal disease (69.5%) or thromboembolic complications (22.2%).
Is There A Cure For Proteinuria?
Proteinuria is unavoidable. You can, however, manage it. Many proteinuric conditions are treatable with medications and lifestyle changes.
Related Articles
- BREWER’S YEAST FOR DOGS: What Are The Benefits?
- How To Keep Flies Off Dogs| Home Remedies
- Stress Colitis In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Allergic Conjunctivitis In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
