Amyloidosis

What is Amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a group of conditions that result from abnormal deposits of a protein called amyloid. Amyloid can be deposited locally, affecting only a single location or organ, or it can be deposited throughout the body, affecting many organs. In the dog, it most commonly affects the kidneys, but can also affect the liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, gastrointestinal tract, and secondarily  parts of the respiratory tract. The amyloid deposits interfere with normal organ function.  In the kidneys, the deposits cause excessive levels of protein to be excreted in the urine, and eventually cause kidney failure.

How does my dog get Amyloidosis?
The condition seems to run in families ins certain breeds, such as Chinese Shar-pei, Beagles, and English Foxhounds.  More often, the cause is unknown.

How do I know if my dog has Amyloidosis?
The signs will be related to problems in whatever organs the amyloid deposits are found in, and will vary in severity depending on how much amyloid is deposited. With kidney depositions, you may notice that your dog is drinking and urinating a lot. He may be somewhat lethargic and have lost weight. In more advanced cases he may be vomiting and may have sores in his mouth. In some dogs, there may be a swollen abdomen or legs. Your veterinarian will perform urine and blood tests to check kidney function. She may biopsy the kidneys to determine if amyloidosis is the cause of the kidney problems.

What can I do about Amyloidosis?
If your dog is very sick due to deposits on the kidney, he may need to be hospitalized so he can receive intravenous fluids, which will make him feel much better. You will need to change his diet to a diet for kidney patients. Such diets have reduced levels of phosphorus and reduced levels of protein, which should be of high quality. Your veterinarian may also instruct you in home administration of subcutaneous fluids. Your dog may be prescribed special drugs to combat the amyloid deposits.  Amyloidosis has no cure with most dogs dying from kidney or liver failure.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Amyloidosis?
A few cases of amyloidisis are associated with chronic inflammation, so attending to any disease is always a good idea. However, it will not ward off most cases of amyloidosis. For most cases, there is nothing specific you can do to prevent amyloidosis. Catching the disease early is generally the best you can hope for. Watch for any signs that your dog's drinking and urinating habits have changed. The sooner you treat the condition, the less damage your dog will have had.

Are there certain breeds that get Amyloidosis more often?
Chinese Shar-Pei, beagles, English Foxhounds, Collies, and Walker Hounds are at higher risk, although any breed can develop the condition.