NEPHROTIC SYNDROME IN DOGS - DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Nephrotic syndrome is persistent proteinuria severe enough to produce hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, and peripheral edema. Although proteinuria can be prerenal, renal, or postrenal, only glomerular prot einuria can be severe enough to produce nephrotic syndrome. Diagnosis begins with identifying the route of protein loss. Other causes contri buting to hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, and peripheral edema are investigated. A thorough search for the cause of glomerulonephropa thy is made. Therapy involves treating the underlying cause (if identi fied). Progression of renal disease should be prevented with cautious use of immunosuppressive therapy and the possible addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet. Dietary protein is moderately restricted in a n effort to decrease proteinuria and combat protein depletion. A low-s odium diet and diuretics should be used judiciously to control edema. A stepwise approach for controlling secondary systemic hypertension in volves sodium restriction, diuretics, beta-adrenergic antagonists, and ACE inhibitors. Aspirin therapy may help prevent thromboembolism.