Companion Animals

Cat Feline Immune Complex Disease Welfare

Immune complex deposition causes glomerulonephritis and other systemic diseases in cats, requiring careful immunosuppressive management.

Key Facts

Immune complex glomerulonephritis deposits antigen-antibody complexes in kidney glomeruli
Protein loss through damaged glomeruli causes edema, hypoalbuminemia, and thromboembolism risk
Common underlying triggers include chronic infection, inflammation, and neoplasia
Treatment addresses both the protein loss and the underlying cause when identifiable
Prognosis varies widely depending on cause and degree of kidney damage at diagnosis

Welfare Considerations

Cats with glomerulonephritis experience edema, weakness, and progressive kidney failure that significantly reduces quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying causes can slow or arrest progression.

What You Can Do

Have cats with unexplained weight loss or fluid retention assessed for protein-losing disease
Test urine protein-to-creatinine ratio as a sensitive marker of glomerular disease
Support ongoing diagnosis and treatment of chronic infections that drive immune complex disease