Why is finding protein in my pet’s urine a cause for concern?
Protein is a precious resource for the body, and the kidneys have an important role to prevent it from being lost in the urine. The presence of protein in urine is called proteinuria, and it may indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. In some situations, it may even be a sign of kidney failure.
What is Excess Protein in the Urine?
Excess protein in the urine can occur in dogs of any age, gender or breed. Because there are several possible causes, it is important for you to obtain a diagnosis for your dog’s excess urinary protein level as soon as possible in order to seek prompt treatment. Sometimes you may notice symptoms and bring your dog in for veterinary treatment in order to obtain a diagnosis; however, sometimes an elevated protein level is only found during urinalysis at a regular health check-up. This is indicative of the importance of bringing your dog in for regular veterinary check-ups even when she does not exhibit any health issues.
Proteinuria is the presence of protein in dog’s urine. Dog’s urine normally contains a trace amount of protein in the urine, as proteins are blocked by the glomerulus, the part of the kidney that filters waste products, or pass through the glomerulus and then reabsorbed by renal tubes or broken down by the epithelial cells of the renal tubes. Proteinuria may be associated with lower urinary tract disease, reproductive tract disease, or an indication of renal dysfunction or damage.Youtube Play
Excess Protein in the Urine Average Cost
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Treatment of Excess Protein in the Urine in Dogs
Specific treatment will depend upon your dog’s diagnosis. In severe cases, your dog may need to undergo stabilization treatment for dehydration, which will consist of IV fluids and medications. Glomerular disease will be treated through a combination of medications and prescription diets. In the case of inflamed kidneys and urinary tract infections, antibiotics will likely be prescribed. High blood pressure is often treated through a calcium channel blocker or beta-blocker and the possibly the recommendation of a low-sodium diet.
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Excess Protein in the Urine in Dogs | Wag!
When your pet has an annual physical examination, your veterinarian will often request a urine sample. Once you collect the sample, your veterinarian will have the urine analyzed in the laboratory. Urinalysis is a test which assesses nearly 20 different parameters. This blog post will focus on one particular parameter of the urinalysis, protein.