Understanding Kidney and Urinary Health in the Bernese Mountain Dog

Quick answer

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to specific kidney conditions that affect how the organs filter waste from the blood. While some of these, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Glomerulonephritis, and Protein Losing Nephropathy, are recognized tendencies in the breed, they are not inevitable. By performing regular home health checks and monitoring for subtle changes in thirst, urination, or energy levels, you can ensure your dog receives timely care when it matters most.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood over time. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. How this passes down is not settled, though it is suspected to be an autosomal recessive immune-mediated process.

At home, you might first notice your dog drinking more water than usual or needing to go outside to urinate more frequently. As the condition progresses, you may observe a decrease in appetite, weight loss, or a dull coat. Your vet will perform blood work to measure waste products like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, alongside a urinalysis to check the concentration of the urine. If the kidneys are not concentrating urine effectively, it is a strong indicator that further investigation is needed. The most common mistake owners make is assuming increased thirst is simply due to the weather or diet, which can delay the diagnosis until the kidneys have lost significant function.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis involves inflammation of the tiny filtering units within the kidney known as glomeruli. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. It often presents as a familial form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and is frequently associated with positive serology for Borrelia burgdorferi.

Because this condition affects the filtering mechanism, your dog may lose proteins through the urine that should remain in the bloodstream. You might notice your dog becoming lethargic or showing signs of fluid retention, such as a swollen abdomen or swollen limbs. The vet will likely use a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio test to determine if protein loss is occurring. Urgency is determined by how quickly the dog's protein levels drop and whether they develop fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen. Do not wait for your dog to stop eating before seeking help, as early intervention is critical for managing inflammation.

Protein Losing Nephropathy

Protein Losing Nephropathy occurs when the kidneys fail to retain essential proteins, allowing them to leak into the urine. This is a recognised tendency in the breed and is often associated with positive serology for Borrelia burgdorferi.

As protein levels in the blood drop, your dog may appear weak, tired, or show signs of muscle wasting. You might also notice your dog is less interested in play or struggles to maintain their usual activity levels. The vet will examine your dog for signs of low blood protein, which can cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and into the tissues. A urinalysis is the standard test to detect protein in the urine. The biggest mistake is ignoring a change in the dog's coat quality or energy, as these are often the first outward signs of internal protein loss.