Differences Between Renal Dysplasia, PLN, PLE & Addison’s disease in the SCWT
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a known predisposition to several but distinct health conditions, including Renal Dysplasia (RD), Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN), Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE), and Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). While these diseases can share some overlapping clinical signs—such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy—they differ significantly in their underlying causes, typical age of onset, primary affected body systems, and diagnostic features. Understanding these differences is essential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management. The table below summarizes the key distinctions to help breeders, owners, and veterinarians differentiate between them.
| Disease | Renal Dysplasia | PLN | PLE | Addison’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age of Onset | <1-3 yrs | Mean ~ 6 yrs | Mean ~ 4.5 yrs | Young (in general) |
| Sex Predilection | None noted | Female:Male – 1.6 | Female: Male – 1.7 | Female (in general) |
| Polyuria/Polydipsia | Yes | Only 25% had PU/PD | No unless on steroids | Yes |
| Vomiting/Diarrhea | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ascites/Edema | No | Possibly | Possibly | No |
| Azotemia | Yes | Eventually | No | Possibly pre-renal |
| Kidney Size | Small | May be normal | Normal | Normal |
| Hypoalbuminaemia | No | Yes | Yes | Possibly melaena |
| Hypoglobulinemia | No | No | Yes | Possibly melaena |
| Hypocholesterolaemia | No | Yes | Hypcholedterolaemia | No |
| Low Na/K ratio | Not noted | Rarely (~10%) | Rarely (mean~10%) | Yes |
| Urine Specific Gravity | Isosthenuria | Mean 1.023 | Mean 1.033 | Low (medullary washout) |
| Proteinuria | None or mild | Yes | No | No |
| Histopathology k=kidney I- intestine | Fetal glomeruli, Fetal mesenchyme (K) | Gloerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis (K) | IBD Lymphangitis lymphangiectasia |
Source: 1999 ACVIM PROCEEDSINGS: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier PLE,PLN Meryl Littman VMD DACVIM Philadelphia PA
