Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy

Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy (SHG) is an inherited, non-inflammatory, progressive disorder of kidneys with an X-linked dominant mode of inheritance. Also called X-linked hereditary nephritis or in humans the Alport syndrome, the disorder was first described in 1977 and affects females as well as males alike. Dogs develop proteinuria by 2 months of age, however, male dogs are severely affected as renal functions are progressively declined and cause death within 15 months of age. Affected females develop mild proteinuria that can last for a longer time before chronic renal failure occurs in the older female dogs.

Hereditary nephritis encompasses a group of hereditary glomerular disorders with the sequel is finally the chronic renal failure. This is also assumed to be connected with lens abnormalities and sensorineural hearing loss. The HN group Inherited glomerular disorders differ from each other by the genetic modes of its inheritance, Age of onset, and the absence or presence of extrarenal clinical manifestations.

In Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, a mutation in codon 1027 of the COL4A5 gene on the X chromosome results in degeneration of the glomerular and other basement membranes of renal tubules and Bowman's capsule. This is due to excess production of metalloproteases and resultant collagen chain loss. The damage in the filtration system (tubules and glomeruli) lets red blood cells and proteins leak into the urine. Plasma proteins in the urine act like a sponge in the bloodstream and absorb extra fluid resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the body (edema).

SHG-affected dogs develop glomerulosclerosis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephropathy. As the disease progresses, symptoms start to appear starting with muscle wastage and lethargic nature. After 3 months of age, there will be a decreased glomerular filtration rate that indicates chronic renal failure.

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Muscle weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea
• Loss of weight
• Tiredness
• Hypoalbuminemia (albumin in the blood is low)
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• High BP

Remember that SHG chronic renal failure cannot be cured but it is managed with consistent veterinary care.

Survival time gets reduced when your dog progresses through every stage of renal failure.

Sometimes, SHG dogs require hospitalization and intensive care to recover.

The treatment protocol may include hospitalization for dialysis, intravenous (IV) fluids/ Temporary Feeding Tube, and kidney transplant.

Immunosuppressant medications: Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Leflunomide, or Azathioprine.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): Benazepril, Imidapril, Ramipril, and Enalapril.

Diuretics: Torsemide and/or Furosemide.

• Sometimes, your dog requires minimal digestion for a day or two, introduce a bland diet and feed little white meat such as chicken and cooked white rice.
• Feeding small quantities every 3-4 hours is a good idea.
• Specialized diet of low protein/ low salt diet.

• There is no way to prevent SHG but you can do other things to keep your dog healthy.
• Keep dogs away from household chemicals (antifreeze and other cleaners ) and clear away contaminated water sources.
• Don’t keep Grapes, raisins, prescription, and OTC drugs (like acetaminophen) within reach of dogs.
• Check with your vet about the vaccinations available for infectious diseases (like leptospirosis) to prevent other reasons for kidney failure.

Samoyed

1. Causes:

Hereditary

2. Mortality:

There is a proper treatment for SHG and they have a high case fatality rate in Samoyed dogs.

3. Diagnosis:

• Complete blood count
• Serum chemistry panel
• Urine albumin test
• Albumin/creatinine (ACR) ratio test

4. Prognosis:

The prognosis for Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy is really poor. When provided with appropriate treatment, the effects of the disease can be slowed down.

It’s better to set up an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice-

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Muscle weakness
• Abdominal pain

Low-protein, high-alkaline foods with low levels of sodium/phosphorus and increased levels of potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.

Protein: 35 g/1000 kcal of high-quality protein; 14-20% (on a dry matter basis)

Sodium: ≤ 0.3%

Phosphorus: 0.2 - 0.5%

Potassium: 1.1- 2-3%

Omega-3 fatty acids:1000 kcal of diet/1 g of EPA and DHA = 25 mg/kg of DHA / 40 mg/kg EPA q24h

High alkaline foods:

• Root vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc)
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Almonds, Avocado, Beets, Figs, Apricots, Cucumber, etc

SHG treatment in dogs focuses on put brakes on the disease progression, reducing the suffering of the pets and improving quality of life for the pet. When you suspect any kidney related issues with your dog, don’t try to treat the condition with any conventional home remedies.