Severe renal failure in a dog resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
A case of renal disease in a dog resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is presented. A kidney biopsy from this animal showed focal glomerular sclerosis, with variable distribution, affecting the perihilar and peripheral segments of the glomerular tuft. Non-sclerotic glomeruli were markedly enlarged. Interstitial fibrosis in association with tubular atrophy affected approximately 20% of the area of the biopsy. Immunofluorescence labelling showed immunoglobulin M deposits entrapped in segmental sclerotic areas and ultrastructural examination revealed segmental sclerosis and obliteration of capillaries, vacuolation of podocytes and diffuse effacement of foot processes. The dog was humanely destroyed 1 month later. At necropsy examination there was severe end-stage kidney disease with interstitial fibrosis involving more than 60% of the renal tissue. The clinical course and the microscopical, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural findings in this case have similarity to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in man.
Aresu
L
L
Universita degli Studi di Padova, Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Patologia Comparata e Igiene Veterinaria, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Padova, Italy. luca.aresu@unipd.it
Zanatta
R
R
Luciani
L
L
Trez
D
D
Castagnaro
M
M
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005923:Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology*; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*