Influence of Age Breed and Sex on Incidence of Renal Disorders in Dogs

Background: Kidneys play an essential role in health, disease, and growth. Renal disorders are among the most common ailments of dogs and contribute substantially to canine mortality, particularly in older dogs. Fewer published reports are documenting the prevalence of renal diseases in dogs in India. The current study was undertaken to find out the incidence of renal disorder in dogs based on their age and breed and sex.Methods: The assessment of the incidence of renal disorders in dogs was done in the clinical cases reported at Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, IVRI during the period i.e. February 2010 to January 2011. The total numbers of 880 cases of dogs suffering from different ailments were reported during this period, out of which 63 dogs were suspected and screened for renal disorders based on clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, serum and urinary biochemical alterations and urine analysis.Result: The overall incidence of renal disorders was 7.15% recorded according to the age of dogs. No renal disorders were detected in the dogs < 6 years of age. 3.26% dogs of 6-8 year age group were confirmed for kidney diseases. Whereas 9.30% and 13.94% dogs in the age groups of 8-10 year and ?10 years, respectively had renal disorders. The breed wise renal disorders in dogs showed the highest incidence in Labrador dogs followed by Bulldogs, Dalmatian, Great Dane and Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd and Pomeranian. Interestingly lowest incidence was recorded in the mixed or non-descript breed. Out of 63 dogs, 36 male (57%) and 27 female (43%) dogs were confirmed for renal disorders indicating a higher prevalence of renal diseases in males than females.