Renal lesions associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a dog

Borrelia burgdorferi infection was diagnosed serologically in a dog with lethargy, stiffness, and anorexia. Treatment with ampicillin and chloramphenicol did not alleviate the signs. Azotemia, proteinuria, cylindruria, pyuria, and hematuria developed over a 3-month period. Antibody titer for B burgdorferi remained high (1:8,192) during this time. Renal histopathologic findings included severe, chronic, diffuse, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and moderate chronic, multifocal, interstitial nephritis. Borrelia burgdorferi organisms were identified in renal tissue and in urine by results of immunofluorescent studies and bacteriologic culture, respectively.