Treatment of proteinuria in dogs with telmisartan: A retrospective study

• Main Authors: Julie Lecavalier, Lyanne Fifle, Romain Javard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021-07-01
• Series: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Subjects: angiotensin receptor blocker; canine; renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system; urine protein : creatinine ratio
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16146
• ISSN: 0891-6640; 1939-1676

Abstract Background Use of telmisartan for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs has not been thoroughly investigated. Hypothesis/Objectives Telmisartan can be effective for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs. Animals Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with proteinuria. Methods Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed with clinically relevant proteinuria (nonazotemic dogs with a urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio [UPC] ≥2 and azotemic dogs with UPC ≥0.5) were separated into 3 groups: telmisartan alone, with benazepril, or with mycophenolate. The UPC was recorded before treatment and at subsequent follow‐ups (1, 3, 6, and 12 months, as available). Response to treatment was categorized as complete (UPC ˂0.5), partial (UPC decreased by ≥50% but still ≥0.5), or no response (UPC decreased by <50%). Serum creatinine and potassium concentrations and arterial pressure also were recorded. Results In the telmisartan group, treatment response (UPC ˂0.5 or decreased by ≥50%) was observed in 70%, 68%, 80%, and 60% of dogs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow‐up, respectively. No significant changes were noted in serum creatinine or potassium concentrations, or in arterial blood pressure at all follow‐up times. Adverse effects consisted of mild self‐limiting gastrointestinal signs in 5 dogs. Two dogs developed clinically relevant azotemia that required discontinuation of the treatment before the first follow‐up. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Telmisartan can be considered for treatment of proteinuria in dogs, alone or in combination with other treatments for proteinuria.