Diagnosis of Boxer JKD
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Boxer JKD is a condition seen in Boxers, leading to chronic renal failure, due to the structural changes to the dog’s kidney, the dogs kidney did not develop properly. There is strong evidence to suggest that this is an inherited condition in Boxers, as this condition has been found in closely related family members.
If your Boxer has any of the symptoms listed for a prolonged time, or has a sibling diagnosed with Boxer JKD it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for a diagnostic 'work up'. Early symptoms are usually subtle and unspecific making the disease difficult to diagnose, even for vets. For an asymptomatic sibling (Full Brother or Sister), screening tests may be all that is needed (read about screening tests here). |
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For a Boxer with symptoms related to Boxer JKD/Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) a more extensive 'work up' is needed. It is important to get an early diagnosis, as this will allow for treatment that will prolong the life expectancy and improve the quality of life for the dog.
The diagnosis is based on the full History, clinical symptoms found during the exam as well as the results of the diagnostic tests.
The veterinarians 'work up' will consist of urinalysis, bloodwork and preferably diagnostic imaging to see how the kidneys look – shape, size and structure. The diagnosis is based on these tests as well as a thorough history and ruling out other diseases that can mimic Boxer JKD. The veterinary work up will normally include:
Please inform your breeder about the diagnosis, this is crucial information affecting their breeding program.
Preparations before you see your vet:
The diagnosis is based on the full History, clinical symptoms found during the exam as well as the results of the diagnostic tests.
The veterinarians 'work up' will consist of urinalysis, bloodwork and preferably diagnostic imaging to see how the kidneys look – shape, size and structure. The diagnosis is based on these tests as well as a thorough history and ruling out other diseases that can mimic Boxer JKD. The veterinary work up will normally include:
- Urine analysis with microscopy, cultures, sensitivity, protein levels, and measuring the urine specific gravity (USG)
- Blood test (full blood count, renal function, Calcium, Phosphorous, liver function)
- Diagnostic imaging should be performed to determine the kidneys shape, size and structure.
- All other relevant causes of kidney disease should be ruled out
Please inform your breeder about the diagnosis, this is crucial information affecting their breeding program.
Preparations before you see your vet:
- Write down the symptoms your Boxer has, when they started and how they have developed
- Include any information about similar symptoms in siblings or parents of you Boxer,
- If your dog has been ill before, it is important to take the medical history from your vet
- Write down any medications your dog has been given, including flea preventatives and vaccines.
- Measure your Boxer's daily total water intake over a three day period (including moisture in food), skip this point if you don't have the time, but try to quantify the daily water intake.
- Make a note of where you have been traveling with your Boxer.
Paragraph summarizing diagnosis of the cause of Chronic Kidney Disease from the Merck Vet Manual
Combinations of survey radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, serial clinical pathology tests, including urinalyses and urine cultures, and blood pressure measurements should be performed to evaluate the severity of disease, establish a prognosis, monitor the response to therapy, and identify complicating factors. Specific renal function tests and renal biopsy may be helpful to identify the exact cause in Stages 1–3, but the presence of advanced pathologic changes in Stage 4 is nonspecific and often precludes identification of an underlying cause by histologic studies. This condition in late Stage 4 is often described as end-stage renal failure clinically and as chronic, generalized nephritis pathologically. CKD should be distinguished from the more readily reversible acute disease. Frequently, differentiation may be accomplished with an appropriate history, physical examination, and laboratory findings, although a renal biopsy may be required. However, therapy for CKD caused by a range of morphologic lesions is similar, so renal biopsies may not be warranted unless marked proteinuria is present or a treatable cause is suspected.
Combinations of survey radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, serial clinical pathology tests, including urinalyses and urine cultures, and blood pressure measurements should be performed to evaluate the severity of disease, establish a prognosis, monitor the response to therapy, and identify complicating factors. Specific renal function tests and renal biopsy may be helpful to identify the exact cause in Stages 1–3, but the presence of advanced pathologic changes in Stage 4 is nonspecific and often precludes identification of an underlying cause by histologic studies. This condition in late Stage 4 is often described as end-stage renal failure clinically and as chronic, generalized nephritis pathologically. CKD should be distinguished from the more readily reversible acute disease. Frequently, differentiation may be accomplished with an appropriate history, physical examination, and laboratory findings, although a renal biopsy may be required. However, therapy for CKD caused by a range of morphologic lesions is similar, so renal biopsies may not be warranted unless marked proteinuria is present or a treatable cause is suspected.
