Familial nephropathy (FN)

The main functions of the kidneys are to excrete water, foreign substances, electrolytes and metabolic waste products. The glomeruli of the kidney act as a filter, separating urine from blood and thus filtering out the primary urine. A network of Type IV collagen fibres are essential for the correct structure of the glomerular basement membrane and thus for kidney function.

The progressive kidney disease caused by familial or hereditary nephropathy (FN) is caused by a type IV collagen defect. Dogs with FN develop chronic renal dysfunction between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, which eventually, in some cases very rapidly, leads to destruction of both kidneys and death. Initial clinical signs include excessive thirst, reduced growth rate or weight loss, reduced appetite and vomiting.