Familial Nephropathy in Dogs

Category: Urinary & Reproductive
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 6

Overview

Inherited defects in the supporting membrane of the kidney filters can lead to progressive kidney failure. This membrane normally helps the kidneys filter blood, but when it is faulty, protein leaks into the urine. Different inherited forms occur, so the course varies between dogs and breeds. Visible illness may appear only after kidney damage is advanced.

Signs to watch for

Drinking and urinating more than usual
Poor growth in an affected puppy
Reduced appetite or weight loss
Low energy
Vomiting as kidney disease worsens

Some forms become severe during the first year, while timing varies with the inherited defect.

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

Diagnosis and tests

Vets use blood and urine tests to assess kidney function and detect protein leakage. For some inherited forms, DNA testing can identify a known gene change. Detailed examination of kidney tissue can also help confirm a defect in the filtering membrane.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

3 Medium

English Springer SpanielMedium · Sporting Group
English Cocker SpanielMedium · Sporting Group
Welsh Springer SpanielMedium · Sporting Group

Inheritance

This condition has more than one known form, and different breeds inherit it in different ways. The sources list the form found in each breed.

Autosomal recessive
English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal dominant
Bull Terrier, Dalmatian
One copy of the variant, from either parent, is enough to put a dog at risk. On average, an affected dog passes the variant to half of its puppies. Males and females are affected equally.
As stated by OMIA
X-linked
Samoyed, Navasota (mixed breed)
The variant sits on the X chromosome. Males have one X and females have two, so the condition shows up differently in males and females. It is often more common in males. The sources do not say whether one copy is enough in females.
As stated by OMIA

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.