DIAGNOSIS OF TRANSIENT RENAL-DISEASE WITH SDS-ELECTROPHORESIS OF URINE IN BITCHES WITH ENDOMETRITIS-PYOMETRA

The clinical signs polydipsia, polyuria, and vomitus observed with the endometritis-pyometra-complex of the bitch are generally being interp reted as manifestations of an impaired renal function caused by bacter emia, septicemia, or toxemia. Concentrations of urea and creatinine in blood are, however, rarely elevated. In addition, these parameters do not allow a precise evaluation of structural and functional lesions d ue to the considerable compensatory capacity of the kidneys. In bitche s with pyometra, tubular as well as glomerular damage has been demonst rated by histopathological examination. Solely functional lesions have , however, also been discussed. Non-invasive diagnostic methods like t he SDS-electrophoresis of urine that separates urinary proteins accord ing to their molecular weight can be repeated many times without risk for the patient. The method also allows diagnosis of lesions that coul d up to now only be detected by histopathological examination of renal tissue, and also diagnosis of tubular functional impairment. Diagnosi s and classification of mainly subclinical and transient renal disease with SDS-electrophoresis of urine is demonstrated by the results of a 6-week follow-up study on 21 bitches that were ovariohysterectomized due to pyometra. Possibilities and problems of the method are indicate d.