Survival of dogs with glomerular disease in Europe: insights from the European Veterinary Renal Pathology Service.

Renal biopsy morphology significantly predicts survival in dogs with glomerular disease, with ICGN carrying the best prognosis.

This retrospective cohort study from the European Veterinary Renal Pathology Service evaluated 110 client-owned dogs with glomerular disease that underwent renal biopsy between 2018 and 2023. Dogs were classified into three diagnostic groups: immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN, 56%), non-ICGN (35%), and juvenile nephropathy (JN, 9%). Survival analysis demonstrated that ICGN dogs had significantly longer mean survival (951 ± 78 days) compared to non-ICGN dogs (613 ± 92 days; P = .02), while no significant difference was observed between ICGN and JN groups. Among non-ICGN subtypes, dogs with amyloidosis had markedly shorter survival (384 ± 95 days) compared to other non-ICGN morphologies (650 ± 56 days; P = .02). Juvenile nephropathy dogs were at significantly greater risk of a ≥50% increase in serum creatinine during follow-up (RR = 2.78; 95% CI, 1.60–4.84), indicating faster renal function deterioration. Approximately 50% reduction in proteinuria was observed across all groups over time, though the retrospective design prevents definitive conclusions about antiproteinuric treatment efficacy. Immunosuppressive therapy was administered more frequently to ICGN dogs (P < .001), consistent with their immune-mediated pathogenesis. These findings highlight the prognostic value of renal biopsy and morphologic classification in canine glomerular disease, supporting its use in guiding treatment decisions and owner counseling regarding expected disease progression and survival.

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