NU04 - Proteinuria at Time of Diagnosis is Associated with Shorter Survival Time in Dogs with Lymphoma

Abstract: Background: Lymphoma has been implicated as a possible cause of proteinuria in dogs. However, information about the potential significance of proteinuria in these patients is limited.



Objectives: The primary objective was to determine if presence of proteinuria at diagnosis was associated with survival times in dogs with lymphoma. A secondary objective was to determine if lymphoma stage (I-V) or type (B vs T) were associated with presence of proteinuria.



Animals: Records of 476 dogs with a new diagnosis of lymphoma (by cytology, histopathology, or PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement) between 2008-2020 were reviewed. Inclusion required concurrent serum chemistry and urine protein assessment. Dogs were excluded for: 1) treatment within two months with, steroid, anti-neoplastic or anti-proteinuric therapies, 2) diagnosed hypercortisolism, 3) urine pH > 8, or 4) active urine sediment. Data from 86 dogs was analyzed.



Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with dogs divided into proteinuric (22/86) or non-proteinuric (64/86) groups based on urine protein of ≥ or < 30mg/dL at time of diagnosis. Stage and type information was available for 81 and 49 dogs respectively.



Results: There was a significant difference in survival between proteinuric (233 ± 39 days) and non-proteinuric (437 ± 60 days) groups (p < 0.04; Log-Rank). No difference in prevalence of proteinuria was identified based on stages I-V or types B and T.



Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Further evaluation of the association between presence of proteinuria and shorter survival time and whether it could be ameliorated by directed treatment efforts is important.