Clinicopathological features of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy in 178 dogs

Abstract

Background: One hundred seventy‐eight dogs with cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) were evaluated to further the understanding of the natural course of CRGV. CRGV, a form of thrombotic microangiopathy, can cause skin lesions and potentially acute kidney injury (AKI) with a high mortality rate. Methods: Cases were submitted from multiple practices from 2012 until June 2019. Clinical histories and laboratory data were reviewed to describe the features of CRGV. Results: Most cases (91%) occurred between November and May. Fifteen dogs (8.4%) with CRGV were in contact with another dog that developed skin lesions +/– AKI. Limb lesions were present on 144 dogs (80.9%) at presentation. Median time from appearance of a lesion to AKI was 3 days (range –4–45 days). Neurological signs occurred in 33 dogs (18.6%) including at presentation in 2 (1.1%). Systemic signs were present in 13 dogs prior to a skin lesion (7.3%). Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were prescribed prior to AKI identification in 92 of 170 dogs (54.1%). Thrombocytopenia was present in 115 of 137 (83.9%) of dogs. Conclusion: The timeframe over which AKI may develop is longer than previously reported, neurological signs can be identified at presentation or during hospitalisation, and thrombocytopenia is even more common than previously reported.

Approach to emergency dermatology cases in dogs and cats

“…CRGV has been reported in different breeds of dogs in the UK, in contrast to data from the US which only reports cases in greyhounds. Vasculitis‐like skin lesions and acute kidney injury, due to thrombotic microangiopathy associated with neurological signs and commonly with thrombocytopenia, characterise this condition, of which the cause remains unknown (Jepson and others 2019, Walker and others 2021).…”