Prognostic factors in dogs with common causes of proteinuria

Little is known about the prognostic value of increased urine protein to creatinine ratios (UPC) comparing dif-ferent underlying diseases in dogs. Therefore, between 2014 and 2015, dogs with a UPC of 2,0 or higher mea-sured were retrospectively analysed at least once. They were divided into groups of the most common under-lying diseases, namely primary glomerulopathy, Cus-hing's disease, leishmaniasis and in a group of different diseases. Possible prognostic factors, like UPC at time of diagnosis, creatinine, urine specific gravity, albumin and haematocrit, were assessed. Eighty-nine dogs with severe proteinuria were included in the study. Median time of survival was 42 days. UPC and time of survival did not differ significantly between the groups. Among the dogs with primary glomerulopa-thy, identified significant risk factors for death included increased UPC (p=0,03), increased creatinine (p<0,01), low haematocrit (p=0,04) and low urine specific gravity (p=0,03). In dogs with Cushing's disease, only urine spe-cific gravity was a significant risk factor for death (p<0,05). In dogs with leishmaniasis, increased UPC and creatinine were significant associated with mortality (p<0,01; p<0,01). Increased UPC is a risk factor for death in dogs with pri-mary glomerulopathy and leishmaniasis, but not in dogs with Cushing's disease. This can be explained by different pathogenesis leading to proteinuria.