Familial membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in Dogs

Category: Urinary & Reproductive
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

In the familial form reported in Bernese Mountain Dogs, inflammation damages the tiny filtering units of the kidneys. Changes in these filters allow substantial amounts of protein to escape into the urine. Kidney function can worsen, leading to signs such as increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting. The disorder has been reported in related dogs.

Signs to watch for

Drinking more and passing more urine
Losing weight
Eating less than usual
Vomiting
Low energy or reduced interest in normal activity

A published Bernese Mountain Dog case series described diagnosis between 2 and 7 years.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly if your dog starts drinking much more or losing weight.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets assess kidney function with blood tests and measure protein loss in urine. These tests can show kidney disease, but tissue examination identifies the specific pattern of damage. A dog's age, breed, and family history also help the vet consider a familial cause.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Giant

Bernese Mountain DogGiant · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.