Clinical and Histopathological Features of Renal Maldevelopment in Boxer Dogs: A Retrospective Case Series (1999–2018)

Abstract

Renal maldevelopment (RM) has been proposed to replace the old and sometimes misused term “renal dysplasia” in dogs. Although renal dysplasia has been described in Boxers, hereditary transmission has only been hypothesized. This study reports clinical and renal histological findings in Boxer dogs with RM, proposing a possible mode of inheritance. Medical records of 9 female Boxer dogs, older than 5 months and with a clinical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease prior to one year of age, were retrospectively reviewed. Polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD), decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and weakness were described in all affected dogs. Common laboratory findings were proteinuria, diluted urine, non-regenerative anemia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia. Histopathology of the kidneys revealed the presence of immature glomeruli in all dogs, which is consistent with RM. In 7 related dogs, the pedigree analysis showed that a simple autosomal recessive trait may be a possible mode of inheritance. Renal maldevelopment should be suspected in young Boxer dogs with a history of PU/PD, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, weakness and proteinuria. Due to its possible inheritance, an early diagnosis of RM may allow clinicians to promptly identify other potentially affected dogs among the relatives of the diagnosed case.

Case report: BCL-2 and CD31 immunoexpression related to clinical and histopathological evaluation of renal dysplasia in a Welsh Corgi Puppy

“…The most important hematologic finding of our study was non-regenerative anemia which has mainly related to the lack of erythropoietin production. Likewise, it is consistent with previous authors who described similar cases of RD ( 7 , 27 , 28 ). Other hematologic findings of azotemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia were occasionally reported with other affected dog breeds related to renal insufficiency ( 5 , 27 , 28 ).…”

Congenital bilateral renal dysplasia in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

“…1,5 Additionally, it is important to rule out potential exposure to nephrotoxins or underlying infectious causes such as canine herpesvirus or leptospirosis, due to zoonotic potential. 3,5,8 Diagnostic tests, including lab work and imaging techniques, are valuable in identification of clinical clues suggestive of renal disease, with particular interest in the presence of abnormal, and/or misshapen kidneys. 2 Unfortunately, this patient did not have an abnormal appearance to its kidneys (macroscopically), yet its lab findings and lack of infection should have raised suspicions for a congenital concern.…”

“…8 The prognosis and lifespan is dependent on the severity of the condition and percentage of renal function available. 1,5…”

“…However, management of chronic kidney disease and symptomatic care may help to reduce clinical signs and delay disease progression 8 . The prognosis and lifespan is dependent on the severity of the condition and percentage of renal function available 1,5 …”

Characterization of Dogs and Cats Diagnosed With Diseases of the Urinary System in 2019: Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of San Carlos De Guatemala

“…Se encontró que el 0.70% de los caninos menores a un año, diagnosticados con enfermedad crónica. Se ha reportado que en animales jóvenes está relacionado con problemas congénitos y/o familiares debido a la presencia y persistencia de glomérulos fetales o inmaduros, engrosamiento de la membrana basal glomerular o un rasgo presente en un grupo de perros emparentados; mientras que la adquirida, ocurre en mayor frecuencia en animales seniles (Cavalera, et al, 2021;Polzin, 2011;Chandler et al, 2007;Gough & Thomas, 2004;Birchard & Sherding, 1996).…”