PHOTOS 1-6: Oedema may be a sign of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome refers to disorders where increased glomerular permeability leads to proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia and oedema. There are two diseases that may lead to nephritic syndrome: immune complex glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis. This syndrome commonly leads to chronic renal failure over a period of time. Oedema formation of this syndrome is most likely as a result of overfilling of the vascular space. Anabolic steroids may be given to nephrotic dogs to help maintain a positive nitrogen balance.
REFERENCES: PHOTOS 1-6: 1. Rose, BD & Rennke, HG 1994, ‘Renal pathophysiology: the essentials’, Williams & Wilkens Malvern, Londen, pp. 107-108. 2. Bovée, KC 1984, ‘Canine nephrology’, Harwal, Pennsylvania, p. 222.
