The degree of proteinuria is usually great. Rapid deposition of amyloid may increase the size of the kidneys. As amyloid encroaches on capillary lumen, RBF is decreased, leading to a decrease in GFR and signs of renal failure. In the cat kidney, amyloid is deposited primarily in the renal medulla, capillary walls and interstitium leading to ischemia and subsequent reduction of GFR and uremia. There is minimal glomerular involvement in the cat so proteinuria is usually not present.
Amyloidosis can occur in any breed of dog or cat.
Abyssinian cats and Sharpei dogs develop a familial form of amyloidosis. There is no sex predisposition for the development of amyloid. Most animals that develop amyloidosis are middle aged to geriatric. Abyssinian cats and Sharpei dogs that develop amyloid can be young. The laboratory findings and the clinical picture of amyloidosis in the dog are very similar to glomerulopathy.