Ultrasonographic and Hematobiochemical Studies of Nephropathies in Dogs

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of nephropathies in dogs in and around Meerut, as well as to examine the ultrasonographic and hematobiochemical changes associated with various nephropathies in dogs. Twenty dogs of either sex having symptoms of nephropathies were screened out of 1334 cases presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC) of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, SVPUAT from Meerut and adjoining areas. On the basis of history, clinical signs, haematological examination, biochemical analysis, ultrasonographic studies and blood gas analysis, 20 cases suffered from nephropathies were included in the study represented an incidence of 1.5%. The most common clinical signs observed in renal failure dogs were lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, anuria, polyuria, polydipsia, dribbling of urine, dysuria, pollakiuria, hematuria and anemia. Amongst 20 dogs, 8 dogs were affected with chronic renal failure (CRF), 4 dogs with nephrolithiasis, 4 dogs with hydronephrosis, 2 dogs with acute kidney failure and 2 dogs with renal cyst. The incidence of CKD (40%) was highest and renal cyst (10%) and AKD (10%) were least among all nephropathies. The age group with the highest frequency of nephropathies was 4-7 year (9 dogs, 45%) was highly susceptible and the dog above 8 years (5 dogs, 25%) was least susceptible. Labrador retriever breeds, (25%) were found to be most affected breed and Pitbull, Doberman pinscher and American bully, (5%) least affected breed for nephropathies. The females (13 dogs) showed higher prevalence of nephropathies than males (7 dogs). Ultrasonography with its real-time and non-invasive advantages outperformed hematobiochemical tests. However, combined ultrasonography with hematobiochemical and blood gas analyses proved most effective for diagnosing nephropathies. Elevated cystatin C levels are a reliable marker of renal dysfunction and indicate a higher risk of nephropathies in dogs. Blood gas analysis in CKD and AKD showed metabolic acidosis and compensatory respiratory changes while hydronephrosis and nephrolithiasis present mixed acidosis and significant hypoxia due to obstructive effects. Renal cysts demonstrate hypoxia with minimal metabolic disturbance.