Hereditary Nephritis in Dogs

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

Overview

Inherited defects can damage the thin supporting layer inside the kidney's blood filters. This group of disorders is often called hereditary nephritis or hereditary nephropathy. The damaged filters allow protein to leak into urine, sometimes before other signs become obvious. As damage progresses, kidney function can decline and waste products build up in the blood. Several inherited forms exist, so the pattern of disease depends on the form involved.

Signs to watch for

Increased thirst as kidney function declines
Urinating more than usual
Weight loss
Poor appetite or low energy

Inherited glomerular diseases tend to appear earlier in life than other forms.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit soon for increased thirst, increased urination, or unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and tests

Repeated urine tests look for persistent protein loss, while blood tests and blood pressure checks assess kidney health. A kidney biopsy, or examination of a tissue sample, may be needed to identify the abnormal filter structure. DNA testing can identify the known inherited variant in English Cocker Spaniels, although different forms require their own assessment.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

3 Medium

English Cocker SpanielMedium · Sporting Group
SamoyedMedium · Working Group
Bull TerrierMedium · Terrier 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 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
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
X-linked
Navasota (mixed breed), Samoyed
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.