Many infectious agents can cause kidney disease in dogs and cats; in fact, a high number of pathogens can damage the renal glomerulus leading to glomerulopathy. It is common the first finding of a glomerular disease is represented by proteinuria (abnormal presence of protein in the urine); the presence of proteinuria in pets justifies further investigation aimed to identify or exclude infectious diseases. Cats and dogs with a diagnosis of infectious diseases (eg, leishmaniasis and tick diseases in dogs, FIV and FeLV in cats) should undergo urinalysis: only close monitoring may lead to an early identification of a glomerulopathy and allow to set treatments effective in slowing the progression of the disease. In dogs, the urinary dipstick (a cheap and simple exam) can be used as a screening test; patients positive to the urinary dipstick must subsequently undergo to a urinary protein/creatinine ratio (UPC) to quantify the magnitude of proteinuria and monitor the therapy. In cats, as the urinary dipstick does not provide reliable results, UPC is suggested as a screening test as well. The presentation "Role of pathogens in glomerulonephritis" (23rd ECVIM-CA Congress Liverpool 12th-14th Sept 2013) is available to all Veterinarians registered to RENAL MANAGE ™ within the reserved Area of www.petkidneydisease.com
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