03281-MOU: Kidney Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs

Canine chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common progressive disease in dogs and some breeds are predisposed to the development of kidney disease. Based on owner perception and published studies on canine CKD, Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) appear to be overrepresented, suggesting a hereditary nature of this disease in this breed. Current owner and breeder concerns primarily involve Shelties that develop signs of kidney disease early in life (<5 years of age), with many of these documented to have evidence of malformed kidneys. However, maldevelopment as the cause of the increased incidence of CKD in Shelties has not been proven. Therefore, the objective of this study is to accurately characterize kidney disease in Shelties with suspected renal maldevelopment.

The researchers will perform a detailed review of archived autopsy and biopsy samples from Shelties with clinical evidence of renal disease. Additionally, prospective examination of biopsy and autopsy kidney samples will target pedigreed Shelties with suspicion of renal maldevelopment, either based on clinical evidence or family history of the disease. Comprehensive pathologic evaluation with interpretation by a nephropathologist will be performed to ensure accurate diagnosis. Clinicopathologic data will also be obtained from dogs with suspected maldevelopment and related family members, regardless of whether a biopsy is performed. Finally, DNA will be isolated and banked from whole blood for future genomic analysis.

Future anticipated projects involve genomic analysis of banked DNA from related Shelties with similar renal lesions, and candidate genes previously associated with renal maldevelopment in humans can be examined to identify possible mutations.

This research is made possible by the generosity of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, with the AKC Canine Health Foundation providing grant administration to ensure the highest standards of scientific impact.