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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Hypercortisolism affects glomerular and tubular function in dogs.
P M Y Smets1, H P Lefebvre, H S Kooistra
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. pascale.smets@ugent.be
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|July 5, 2011
Summary
Dogs with Cushing's syndrome show altered kidney function, including changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary biomarkers. Both glomerular and tubular functions appear affected, warranting further investigation into the underlying causes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cushing's syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in dogs.
- Renal dysfunction can be a complication of hyperadrenocorticism.
- Early detection of renal changes is crucial for managing canine health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate renal function in dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
- To compare urinary biomarkers and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between affected dogs and healthy controls.
- To identify specific alterations in glomerular and tubular function.
Main Methods:
- Assessed routine renal parameters and GFR using plasma iohexol clearance (Cl(exo) and Cl(endo)).
- Measured urinary biomarkers: albumin (uALB), immunoglobulin G (uIgG), retinol-binding protein (uRBP), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity (uNAG), indexed to creatinine (c).
- Utilized ELISA and colorimetric methods for biomarker analysis.
Main Results:
- Dogs with Cushing's syndrome had significantly higher UPC, uALB/c, uIgG/c, uRBP/c, uNAG/c, and Cl(endo) compared to controls.
- Serum creatinine (sCr) was significantly lower in dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
- Urea and plasma exo-iohexol clearance (Cl(exo)) did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- Glomerular and tubular kidney functions are altered in dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
- Specific urinary biomarkers indicate changes in both filtration and tubular reabsorption/secretion.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of these GFR changes.
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