Diagnostic tests for JKD in Boxers
Blood analysis
- JKD of the kidneys can lead to urinary 'reflux' and secondary recurrent or chronic uterine tract infections (UTIs). A blood test will help identify the presence of any infection. UTI's will require antibiotic treatment.
- For protein and urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPC) to determine protein loss and the stage of kidney failure. It only detects damage as symptoms appear and this is only when 70 - 75% of the combined two kidneys have been damaged.
- Full blood cell count, renal function, phosphorous, calcium and protein levels.
- Blood pressure will also be checked.
Necropsy of biopsied or post-mortem kidney material
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Gene tests
- There are currently no valid DNA tests for JKD in Boxers
- A Canadian company, DOGenes, continues to offer a test despite a published ‘expression of concern’ by the journal that presented the original work
- The test can now be discounted as a test in Boxers. Click here to see weblink and a further link here
- Efforts to find the gene responsible for JKD are in progress in a number of laboratories around the world