Description: 

This integrated session explores in separate lectures the pathophysiology and clinical implications of diabetic kidney disease in humans, dogs, and cats and also introduces current understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx. Dr. Matthew Butler will introduce the endothelial glycocalyx, its role in vascular and glomerular health, and its potential as a therapeutic target. Dr. Natalie Finch will focus on diabetic nephropathy, highlighting glomerular ultrastructural changes and whether these are present in dogs and cats. Together, these talks bridge cutting-edge research with practical clinical applications.         

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DATE: 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00 pm-3:30 pm EDT
1:00 pm-2:30 pm CDT
11:00 am-12:30 pm PDT

Presenters: 

Full Name
Natalie Finch
Speaker Bio
Dr Natalie Finch (BVSc [Liv], PhD [RVC], DipECVIM-CA) is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol’s Langford Clinical Veterinary Service and a European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Her clinical and research interests centre on nephrology, electrolyte and acid–base disorders, and cardiovascular disease in companion animals. She has a strong publication record in leading peer-reviewed journals, with work spanning chronic kidney disease in cats, renal pathophysiology, sedation protocols in feline patients, and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. Dr Finch’s research integrates clinical investigation with translational insights to inform evidence-based veterinary practice and improve patient outcomes.

Presenters: ​​​​​​​

Full Name
Matthew Butler
Speaker Bio
Dr Matthew Butler (BSc, MBChB, PhD) is a Consultant Senior Lecturer and MRC Clinician Scientist at Bristol Medical School (Translational Health Sciences), University of Bristol. His research focuses on renal medicine and vascular biology, with particular emphasis on the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx as a therapeutic target in proteinuric and diabetic kidney disease. His work has identified key mechanisms of glycocalyx injury, including aldosterone-mediated damage via matrix metalloproteinases, and has demonstrated protective strategies such as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism and heparanase inhibition. He leads translational research spanning mechanistic studies, advanced imaging approaches, and clinical investigations aimed at improving outcomes in kidney disease.

Location: Virtual Event 
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