Just like humans, dogs suffer from damage and diseases to various critical organs in the body. One of the most commonly affected organs in canines is the kidney, with PLN in dogs being one of the most dreaded diagnoses for pet owners.
At times, kidneys get inflamed or damaged because of:
- autoimmune disorders
- blood clots
- diabetes
and result in a hampered function causing further complications like bloody urine, stones, or loss of blood components in urine.
Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN) is a type of kidney ailment affecting large breeds of dogs and involves passing blood serum and protein through urine along with the waste. This disorder, though serious, can often go unnoticed and result in fatal consequences if not treated on time.
In this guide, let us discuss all you should know about PLN in dogs so that you know what you should expect and do in case your pup shows any symptoms of this disease.
Protein Losing Nephropathy In Dogs - A Complete Guide
Protein Losing Nephropathy is a disease involving defects in the natural filtering system of kidneys in dogs, causing loss of plasma and protein from the blood instead of only waste material through excretion.
The condition is common in several breeds including Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and others. It can occur from a variety of underlying conditions including parasitic infection, autoimmune disorders, food intolerance, diabetes, and more.
PLN can be difficult to diagnose because the pup develops symptoms slowly which can go unnoticed for years. Some of the earliest signs of the disease include reduced appetite and energy.
Other symptoms you may see in the affected pet include;
- vomiting
- food denial
- weight loss
- low urine production
- abnormal reactions to foods
Any changes you notice in your pet’s behavior, activity level, urination, or eating habits should be immediately reported to a vet for a timely diagnosis. The vet uses the observations along with a thorough physical examination to decide the course of action.
As a next step, the vet advises blood and urine tests to reveal low levels of protein in the blood due to protein loss through urine. The tests may also show an excess of creatinine and blood clotting factors.
The practitioner may use an ultrasound to detect clots, stones, and other abnormalities. Any detection of stones or clots may require further examination in the form of a CT scan or X-ray as advised.
PLN In Dogs – Life Expectancy
For dogs affected with Protein Losing Nephropathy, parents generally cannot expect much as the condition often advances to a stage that veterinarians cannot treat. The average survival time of dogs suffering from PLN is one month.
This is true even for cases where moderate to severe kidney failure is diagnosed. The life expectancy of dogs with PLN without renal failure can be extended to up to 1-2 years through advanced treatment options. However, the outlook is poor and the affected pups survive only for a few years even with medications and diet changes.
If caught in its early stages, Protein Losing Nephropathy can be treated by identifying the underlying cause and addressing it with medication. However, this is quite less common because the disease easily goes unnoticed until it progresses to the later stages where the kidney has already got damage that is difficult to reverse.
Though the life expectancy of a pet suffering from PLN is short, there are several ways pet owners can improve its quality of life and keep it healthy and happy through its remaining lifetime.
Best Diet For Protein Losing Nephropathy In Dogs
While a kidney disease like PLN can be scary for pet owners, most dogs can live comfortably with the condition with some dietary modifications, particularly if diagnosed early. While most medications prescribed for the disease only ease symptoms, feeding the right diet can make a significant impact on the pup’s survival.
The modifications you should make to the pet’s diet depend on the severity of the condition. However, in general, dogs with PLN should be fed diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus. Reducing the phosphorus levels in the pet’s blood slows down the progression of kidney disease and extends its life.
As protein is responsible for waste buildup in the blood, reducing the number of protein foods in the pup’s diet minimizes the waste products as kidney failure progresses.
This is particularly important for PLN as a low-protein diet reduces protein loss in urine and improves survival time. Pet owners should remember to avoid high-protein treats like cheese, meat, and others.
Too much salt in the diet can increase the pet’s blood pressure and worsen kidney damage, so the diet should be designed to be low in sodium. Such a diet restricts feeding commercial dog treats which are generally high in salt content. A good start is to keep the foods and treats to less than 1mg of sodium per kcal. Some of the best foods for the diet include fruits and vegetables except garlic, raisins, onions, and grapes.
Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids coming from fish oil can benefit dogs with PLN, so it is a good idea to include fish oil in the pup’s diet as a supplement. Your vet should suggest the right supplement usage and dosage. Diets for PLN in dogs are also non-acidifying as these pups can easily become acidic.
Other Protein Losing Nephropathy Dog Treatments
Unfortunately, Protein Losing Nephropathy in dogs doesn’t have a specific treatment plan and cannot be cured completely. The treatment for this disease focuses on preventing and slowing down the damage to kidneys, addressing the underlying condition for PLN, and easing the symptoms to improve the pet’s quality of life.
One of the most common treatment plans includes administering drugs that inhibit ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) which is useful in reducing the amount of protein lost through urine. Vets also prescribe aspirin in small doses to prevent any abnormal blood clotting. Medications like beta-blockers are often used to treat hypertension in dogs with PLN.
When the pup has developed a kidney failure, the standard therapies for renal failure are utilized. Pets may need to be hospitalized in the later stages of the disease and require fluid therapy and other treatments depending on the symptoms and their severity.
Final Thoughts
Though PLN is one of the life-threatening conditions seen in canines, early diagnosis and treatment can save the pup from fatal consequences and extend its lifespan.
This is our Rosie. She’s a mini schnauzer and 5 years old. She’s not doing very well.
Rosie was diagnosed with Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN} in October, 2021.
Please pray for her peaceful transition across the Rainbow Bridge when it’s her time to go.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/NeboT10RXb
— I Am Jann
(@az_snapschotts) February 13, 2022
(@az_snapschotts) We hope this guide provides all the information you need to take care of a dog affected by this condition and ensure it stays healthy for longer.
