title: Proteinuria in dogs and cats.
abstract: Proteinuria is defined as the presence of protein in the urine. Normally, circulating serum proteins are blocked by the glomerulus due to size and/or charge. Any small proteins that pass through a healthy glomerulus are reabsorbed by the renal tubules or broken down by renal tubular epithelial cells. Persistent proteinuria, in the absence of lower urinary tract disease or reproductive tract disease, is usually an indication of renal damage or dysfunction. Less commonly persistent proteinuria can be caused by increased circulating levels of low molecular weight proteins. This article reviews mechanisms of proteinuria in dogs and cats and discusses the importance of screening for and ultimately treating proteinuria.
authors.affiliation: New Haven Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, 843 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. leyendaharley@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Leyenda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harley
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Langston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000662:veterinary*