Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is estimated by means of clearance, defined as the volume of plasma that has been cleared of a particular substance per unit time. Glomerular filtration rate may be estimated by measuring the renal clearance of a filtration marker using data from both urine and plasma or by plasma clearance using only plasma data. Several alternative pharmacokinetic models are used for the calculation of clearance using various filtration markers with slightly different pharmacokinetic properties. The purpose of this article is to discuss how the choice of marker and pharrnacokinetic model may influence estimated GFR values and to elucidate commonly used methods and reported GFR values in the dog.

A syndrome characterized by bilateral, multifocal renal cystadenocarcinomas and nodular dermatofibrosis was found in 43 German shepherd dogs. Affected kidneys varied in weight from normal to 2950 g. The cut surface revealed multiple solid and cystic tumors that varied in size from barely visible to 27 cm in diameter. Metastases were found in ten of the 23 dogs examined since 1979. All 23 dogs had numerous firm nodules in the skin and subcutis, and ten of 11 bitches had multiple uterine leiomyomas. Histological examination of the renal cortex showed multifocal hyperplastic to highly malignant epithelial proliferations. Skin lesions consisted of dense collagen fibers, and the uterine tumors consisted of interlacing bundles of smooth muscle cells. Pedigree analysis strongly indicates that the syndrome is hereditary, probably in an autosomal dominant pattern. This seems to be the first description of such a syndrome in domestic animals. Comparable syndromes in man are discussed.

Hereditary multifocal renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND) is a naturally occurring canine kidney cancer syndrome that was originally described in German Shepherd dogs. The disease is characterized by bilateral, multifocal tumors in the kidneys, uterine leiomyomas and nodules in the skin consisting of dense collagen fibers. We previously mapped RCND to canine chromosome 5 (CFA5) with a highly significant LOD score of 16.7 (theta=0.016). We have since narrowed the RCND interval following selection and RH mapping of canine genes from the 1.3 x canine genome sequence. These sequences also allowed for the isolation of gene-associated BACs and the characterization of new microsatellite markers. Ordering of newly defined markers and genes with regard to recombinants localizes RCND to a small chromosomal region that overlaps the human Birt-Hogg-Dubé locus, suggesting the same gene may be responsible for both the dog and the phenotypically similar human disease. We herein describe a disease-associated mutation in exon 7 of canine BHD that leads to the mutation of a highly conserved amino acid of the encoded protein. The absence of recombinants between the disease locus and the mutation in US and Norwegian dogs separated by several generations is consistent with this mutation being the disease-causing mutation. Strong evidence is provided that the RCND mutation may have a homozygous lethal effect (P<0.01).

BackgroundDiet has a major influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, whose importance for gut health and overall well-being is increasingly recognized. Knowledge is limited regarding health implications, including effects on the faecal microbiota, of feeding a diet with high content of red meat to dogs, despite some owners’ apparent preference to do so. The aim of this study was to evaluate how a diet change from commercial dry food to one with a high content of boiled minced beef and vice versa influenced the faecal microbiota, and short chain fatty acid profile in healthy, adult, client-owned dogs.ResultsThe diet change influenced the faecal microbiota composition and diversity (Shannon diversity index). The most abundant OTUs in samples of dogs fed the dry food and high minced beef were affiliated with the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Clostridia hiranonis respectively. The high minced beef diet apparently also influenced the short chain fatty acid profile, with increased isovaleric acid, as well as an increase in faecal pH. These effects were reversed when the commercial dry food was reintroduced in weeks 6 and 7.ConclusionsResults of this study can aid in the understanding of how diet changes influence the faecal microbiota and metabolite content on a short-term basis. Long-term studies are required to investigate potential implications for canine gut and general health.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1073-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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