Amyloidosis

Introduction

• Rare conditions with abnormal proteinaceous deposits within tissues.
• Cause : familial disease in Abyssinians or Siamese or secondary to chronic inflammation.
• Signs : related to organ affected. May be localized or systemic.
• Diagnosis : histopathology, special staining and immunohistochemistry.
• Treatment : few options.
• Prognosis : guarded, usually progressive.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Kidneys small and irregular (chronic stage).

• Dehydration.
• Dyspnea (if pulmonary thrombosis).
• Hindleg paralysis (if aortic thrombosis).

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

• Other causes of chronic renal failure    .

• Glomerulonephritis    .

• Thromboembolism due to cardiomyopathy.

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Poor: usually progressive deposition.

Expected response to treatment

• Improvement in clinical signs.
• Lack of progression of disease.

Reasons for treatment failure

• Disease usually progressive.
• Presence of underlying chronic renal failure.