Amyloidosis

Introduction

• Pathogenesis : abnormal proteinaceous deposits accumulate within tissues.
• Signs : depend on which tissues are disrupted by amyloid accumulation.
• May be systemic or localized: kidneys often affected , also liver and spleen.
• Treatment : few options: colchicine and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been tried.
• Prognosis : usually progressive until death.
• Familial and sporadic forms also occur.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

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

Differential diagnosis

• Glomerulonephritis .
• Pyelonephritis .
• Other causes of proteinuria.

• Other causes of chronic renal failure .

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Poor; usually progressive deposition. Fibrils are resistant to phagocytosis or proteolysis.

Expected response to treatment

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

Reasons for treatment failure

• Disease usually progressive.