Congenital Kidney Disease in Dogs

Congenital kidney diseases are very rare, and are either genetically inherited or occur as a random event during fetal development in the womb. Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products out of the blood stream and excreting it in the form of urine. When normal kidney function is interrupted, it leads to build up of toxins in the body, which in turn leads to symptoms of kidney disease.

Dogs who drink or urinate excessively or show other symptoms of kidney disease require immediate veterinary attention. Variation and severity of symptoms depends on the specific diagnosis.

Congenital kidney diseases that are inherited are more common in certain breeds of dogs. Many breeds have inherited kidney conditions or predispositions to certain congenital diseases. Researching the breed or discussion with breeders is the best method of determining whether congenital kidney problems are common in a specific breed.

The different types of congenital kidney diseases have distinct root causes:

Amyloidosis occurs when specific amyloid proteins are deposited throughout the body, causing organ and tissue dysfunction.

Polycystic kidney disease is the development of cysts in the kidney.

Renal dysplasia is the malformation of the urine-producing structures in the kidneys.

Renal agenesis is a condition in which there are one or two kidneys missing from the body at birth. In cases with one kidney, there are no symptoms unless another kidney disease is present.

Basement membrane disorders are caused by an abnormality in the collagen within the filtration components of the kidney.

Fanconi syndrome, also known as tubular dysfunction, is caused by a deficiency in the renal tubes.

Congenital kidney disease can also lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include prolonged skin tent, tacky gums, and sunken eyes.

Dogs with excessive thirst or urination, or with other signs of kidney disease, require veterinary attention for diagnosis of specific disease and appropriate treatment plan. Diagnostic tools include:

• Physical examination
• Urinalysis
• Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and ultrasound
• Renal biopsy for examination of tissue structure and composition

There are no curative treatments currently available for congenital kidney disease. Treatments aim to preserve renal function, reduce complications such as hypertension and urinary tract infections, and mitigate symptoms. Treatments include:

• Rehydration through IV or oral fluids
• Medications that reduce blood pressure
• Antibiotics in cases with urinary tract infections
• Special diets designed to reduce the kidneys’ workload
• Dialysis to remove toxins from the bloodstream
• Kidney transplant

Congenital kidney diseases are progressive. The life expectancy depends on the speed of the progression.

Genetically transmitted congenital defects like kidney disease can be prevented by sexual alteration of animals that are likely to pass on these genes (ie. elimination of ability to reproduce). Since many congenital defects develop randomly in the womb, there is no way to prevent these from occurring.

Congenital kidney disease is very rare in dogs

There is no cure for congenital kidney disease. Treatments include:

• Rehydration through IV or oral fluids
• Medications to reduce blood pressure
• Antibiotics in the case of urinary tract infections
• Special nutrition
• Dialysis to remove toxins from the bloodstream
• Kidney transplant