Membranous nephropathy in the cat and dog: a renal biopsy and follow-up study of sixteen cases.

A morphologic study of biopsy specimens from 16 cases of membranous nephropathy in the cat (11 cases) and dog (five cases) was carried out using conventional light microscopy, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Depending on the degree of membranous change of the capillary loops and glomerular scarring, each case was graded "mild," "moderately severe," or "advanced." Clinically, most cases were presented showing the nephrotic syndrome, although two cases were presented in chronic renal failure. Most cases were followed through to necropsy after an interval ranging between 2 days and 3 years. In some cases, repeated biopsies were taken during this period.