Excess Protein in the Urine in Dogs

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.

Excess protein in the urine is a symptom of an underlying cause. Additional symptoms that accompany excess protein in the urine depend upon the cause, as discussed below.

Urinary Tract Infection

• Strain during urination
• Inability to urinate
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Fever
• Loss of bladder control
• Increased amount and/or frequency of urination
• Pain during urination
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Licking urinary opening
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst

High Blood Pressure

• Blood in the urine
• Abnormal eye movements
• Dilated pupils
• Retinal detachment
• Ocular hemorrhage
• Acute onset blindness
• Nosebleeds
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Ataxia, or lack of coordination
• Circling
• Partial paralysis of limbs
• Heart murmurs

Glomerular Disease historically has been found to lead to chronic kidney disease, the symptoms of which are:

• Loss of appetite, or anorexia
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination

As with most appointments, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog and ask that you report the onset and extent of any symptoms, as well as any medical history. The most important diagnostic tool will be a urinalysis in order to confirm the presence of elevated protein in your dog’s urine. This test will also include sediment examination in order to identify the presence of any crystals or stones. The urine may be cultured in order to identify specific bacteria that may be causing infection if urinary tract infection is a suspected cause. The concentration of your dog’s urine will be measured, and can indicate the kidney’s ability or inability to correctly process urine, which may indicate kidney failure.

A blood sample will also be analyzed for a chemical blood profile, which will measure electrolyte levels in your dog’s blood as well as elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, all of which will point to chronic kidney disease caused by the glomerular disease. Your dog’s blood pressure may be measured via an inflatable cuff to determine if he is suffering from hypertension. A complete blood count will also be taken in order to measure red and white blood cell and platelet counts and may indicate anemia, another indicator of kidney disease.

Further, x-ray and ultrasound imaging can be utilized in order to observe the size and shape of your dog’s kidney, if kidney failure is suspected. A kidney biopsy may be necessary in the case of glomerular disease causing kidney failure.

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.

For all treatment, monitor your dog’s recovery process and report any changes in health to your veterinarian right away. You will likely need to schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate the efficacy of your dog’s treatment plan and avoid any complications.

If your dog has been prescribed, or is supposed to be on home cooked special diet, she may display disinterest in the new food as it will not be as flavorful as what she is used to. Consult the veterinarian on how best to address this, as you may be able to enhance the flavor with tuna juice or another liquid.

All recovery of proteinuria regardless of the cause will require sufficient hydration, so be sure to always keep fresh water available and encourage your dog to drink.

Paying to treat proteinuria out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.