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Renal function and morphology in aged Beagle dogs before and after hydrocortisone administration
Pascale M Y Smets1, Hervé P Lefebvre, Luca Aresu
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan, Merelbeke, Belgium. Pascale.Smets@Ugent.be
Plos One
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Hydrocortisone (HC) increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in aged Beagle dogs. While HC reduced proteinuria initially, it increased urinary markers at 16 weeks, highlighting the need for kidney function monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aged dogs may exhibit subclinical renal changes.
- Glucocorticoids can impact kidney function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of hydrocortisone (HC) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal structure, and proteinuria in aged Beagle dogs.
- To compare HC-treated dogs with a placebo control group.
Main Methods:
- Eleven aged Beagle dogs (≥10 years) were assigned to HC or placebo groups.
- GFR, urinary markers, and kidney biopsies were assessed at baseline, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.
- Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and other markers were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hydrocortisone administration significantly increased GFR (hyperfiltration).
- Proteinuria was initially higher in controls but increased in the HC group at 16 weeks.
- Renal lesions like glomerulosclerosis and interstitial inflammation were present in both groups, with some progression observed.
Conclusions:
- Clinically healthy aged Beagle dogs can have significant renal lesions and proteinuria.
- Hydrocortisone can induce hyperfiltration and affect urinary protein excretion in aged dogs.
- Further research is needed to understand glucocorticoid effects on canine renal structure and function.
