Juvenile renal disease in golden retrievers: 12 cases (1984-1994).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical and pathologic findings in Golden Retrievers with renal dysplasia.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

12 young Golden Retrievers with chronic renal disease.

PROCEDURE

Medical records of affected dogs were evaluated on the basis of clinical findings, laboratory test results, and histologic findings.

RESULTS

Common clinical findings were vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. Common laboratory findings were azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercholesterolemia, isosthenuria, proteinuria, hypercalcemia, and nonregenerative anemia. Many affected dogs also had urinary tract infections, and some were hypertensive. Renal lesions consisted of moderate-to-severe interstitial fibrosis and mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic interstitial inflammation. Cystic glomerular atrophy and periglomerular fibrosis were prominent features in most affected dogs. Fetal lobulation of glomeruli, adenomatoid hyperplasia of collecting tubule epithelium, and primitive mesenchymal connective tissue were histologic features suggestive of renal dysplasia.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Renal dysplasia should be suspected in Golden Retrievers < 3 years old with clinical findings and laboratory results indicative of renal disease.