Glomerulonephritis

• Hereditary predisposition, bacterial and viral infections as well as autoimmune conditions have all been implicated in glomerulonephritis.

Hereditary - Dogs such as the Doberman, Elkhound and Samoyed. Finnish Landrace sheep.

Bacterial - pyometra and endocarditis

Viral

Dogs - Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Cats - Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukaemia

Ox - Bovine Virus Diarrhoea

Pig - Swine Fever

Autoimmune - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Glomerulonephritis most often results from immune mediated mechanisms. Two main types exist: one in which immune complexes from in the glomerulus and one in which antibodies are produced against the glomerular basement membrane.
  • Immune complex glomerulonephritis is characterised by the deposition of immune antigen-antibody complexes in the glomeruli and followed by complement fixation and neutrophil chemotaxis. It is seen mostly in cats, dogs and horses and is associated with many diseases including FeLV, FIP, pyometra, autoimmune conditions and coccidiosis. Severity is variable and it can be acute or chronic.
  • The formation of antibodies against the glomerular basement membrane can occur and is most often seen in primates.
• Can lead to nephrotic syndrome due to sustained loss of protein in the urine.

Pathology

Gross

• Acute glomerulonephritis is characterised by swollen,tense kidneys with pinpoint red dots in the cortex representing individual glomeruli.
• In chronic glomerulonephritis, the kidneys are shrunken,pitted and have a granular appearance. Cortical thinning and fibrosis also occur.

Histopathology

• Changes include adhesions between the glomerular tuft and Bowman's capsule, increased cellularity in the glomerulus and thickening of the capillary basement membrane.
• If there is severe, prolonged damage, glomerulosclerosis may occur. Lesions involve fibrosis, shrinking and hyalinisation of the glomeruli.