Effect of hemodialysis on plasma amino acid concentrations in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effect of maintenance hemodialysis on plasma amino acid concentrations and to quantitate free amino acid losses into the dialysate during hemodialysis in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Five dogs received hemodialysis treatments 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Plasma amino acid concentrations were evaluated once per week for 4 weeks in each of the 5 dogs prior to hemodialysis (time 0), 90 minutes during hemodialysis, and immediately after hemodialysis (180 minutes). Total free amino acid concentrations and plasma amino acid concentrations (time 0, 90 minutes, and 180 minutes) in the dialysate were evaluated in 3 dogs that received 1 hemodialysis treatment. RESULTS: Significant time versus week interactions with any plasma amino acid were not detected; however, significant decreases in all plasma amino acid concentrations measured were detected at the midpoint of dialysis (46 +/- 2%) and at the end of each dialysis session (38 +/- 2%). Mean (+/- SEM) total free amino acid loss into the dialysate was 2.7 +/- 0.2 g or 0.12 g/kg of body weight. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hemodialysis is associated with significant alterations in plasma amino acid concentrations and loss of free amino acids into the dialysate. Loss of amino acids into the dialysate, coupled with protein calorie malnutrition in uremic patients, may contribute to depletion of amino acid stores.     

Diagnosis and prognosis of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in dogs

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the significance of enzymatic and biochemical analyses in the classification of chronic inflammatory liver disease and to evaluate the prognosis of these diseases. Chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis were diagnosed by histopathological examination in 79 dogs. Decreased appetite and lethargy were the most common owner complaints (46/79). Vomiting and, or, diarrhoea were reported in 27/79 dogs. Ascites was the most common clinical sign (43/79), whereas icterus was a more unusual finding demonstrated in 16/79 dogs. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed most frequently, in 33/79 dogs, followed by chronic progressive hepatitis (22/79), chronic cholangiohepatitis (13/79), and chronic non-specific hepatitis (11/79). Hypoalbuminaemia was the most consistent biochemical aberration in liver cirrhosis (25/26) and in chronic progressive hepatitis (13/18). These diseases also showed normal to mildly increased concentrations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and a moderate to marked increase of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and fasting serum bile acid (SBA) concentrations. As expected, icterus and markedly elevated ALT, ALP, GGT and SBA levels were demonstrated in chronic cholangiohepatitis. In this disease hypoalbuminaemia was shown in 6/12 dogs, whereas in dogs with chronic non-specific hepatitis, mean SBA and albumin concentrations were normal. In liver cirrhosis the prognosis was poor, with 94 per cent of the dogs dead within one week of established diagnosis. For dogs with the other types of chronic hepatitis the prognosis was more favourable with the mean survival time ranging from 21-1 to 36-4 months.     

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis in 11 dogs with a history of phenobarbital administration (1995-2002)

The clinical records of 11 dogs with histologically confirmed superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) and a history of phenobarbital (PB) administration (SND/PB) were evaluated retrospectively (1995-2002). Historical, clinical, clinicopathologic, ultrasonographic, and pathologic findings were compared with those in dogs with SND without prior PB exposure (SND/No PB; n = 9) and with those dogs with PB-associated hepatotoxicity without skin disease (PB/hepatotoxicity). Dogs in the SND/PB group accounted for 44% of all histologically confirmed cases of SND that were evaluated at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1995 and 2002. Median age of dogs in the SND/PB group was 10 years, and median duration of PB therapy was 6 years. Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was 239 U/L, and median duration of abnormally high ALT activity was 6.25 months before SND diagnosis. Plasma amino acid concentrations measured in 1 dog were severely decreased. Ultrasonographic findings of hypoechoic nodules with hyperechoic borders corresponded to pathologic findings of nodular areas of normal hepatic tissue surrounded by zones of collapsed parenchyma with vacuolated hepatocytes. Clinical, clinicopathologic, ultrasonographic, and pathologic features of SND/PB and SND/No PB were similar. PB-associated cirrhosis and overt hepatic failure were not features of SND/PB. Different pathogenic mechanisms might induce SND in dogs. Chronic administration of PB requires further examination as a potential risk factor for the development of SND.     

Breed, sex and age distribution in dogs with chronic liver disease: a demographic study

Breed, sex and age distribution were studied in dogs with histopathologically diagnosed chronic (active or progressive) hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in Sweden. The study was based on clinical and histopathological records obtained during three years from a histopathological laboratory and during six years from an animal hospital. Some breeds were significantly (P<0–001) over-represented: American and English cocker spaniels, labrador retrievers and West Highland white terriers. In both spaniel breeds the males were most frequent whereas in the labrador retriever, the females were over represented. In the West Highland white terrier there was no sex difference. The average age at presentation was approximately five years in spaniels and West Highland white terriers and seven years in labrador retrievers. The high incidence of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis in certain breeds indicate that hereditary factors may be of importance in the development of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.     

Plasma amino acid analysis in dogs with experimentally induced hepatocellular and obstructive jaundice

Plasma amino acid concentrations were determined weekly for 4 weeks in 6 sham-operated control dogs, in 6 sham-operated dogs after induction of liver disease with dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA), and in 6 dogs after surgical ligation of the common bile duct. Results were compared with standard biochemical indices of liver function and with histologic changes in serial liver biopsy specimens. Concentrations of most amino acids increased after 2 weeks in DMNA-treated dogs, whereas they were normal or decreased in bile duct-ligated dogs. With increasing severity of the liver disease, the molar ratio (normal mean +/- SEM = 3.48 +/- 0.14) in DMNA-treated dogs decreased to 2.42 +/- 0.19 by 2 weeks and to 1.17 +/- 0.09 by 4 weeks. The ratio remained normal in bile duct-ligated dogs. Molar ratio and aromatic amino acid concentrations correlated better with hepatic necrosis and inflammation than did standard biochemical indices (eg, bilirubin, liver enzymes). Therefore, plasma amino acid analysis and determination of the molar ratio may be useful in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular and obstructive jaundice in dogs. A decrease in the molar ratio may reflect portal hypertension and hepatocellular disease.     

Equine dysautonomia (grass sickness) is associated with altered plasma amino acid levels and depletion of plasma sulphur amino acids

To determine whether equine dysautonomia (ED) is associated with alterations in plasma amino acid metabolism, plasma amino acid profiles were determined for horses with acute (n = 10), subacute (n = 6) and chronic (n = 7) ED and for healthy cograzing horses (n = 6) and control horses (n = 10). Horses with acute ED had perturbations in plasma amino acid profiles resembling those of severe protein malnutrition. In addition, horses with ED and cograzing healthy horses had depletion of the plasma sulphur amino acids cyst(e)ine and methionine. As similar plasma amino acid perturbations occur in subacute/chronic cyanide toxicity, the role of cyanogenic glycosides in the aetiology of ED warrants further study. Unfortunately, amino acid analysis cannot be used as a definitive premortem diagnostic test for ED, since there was overlap in the individual amino acid levels of control, cograzing and ED horses.     

Plasma and skin concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids before and after supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in dogs with atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine essential fatty acid concentrations in plasma and tissue before and after supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in dogs with atopic dermatitis. ANIMALS: 30 dogs with atopic dermatitis. PROCEDURE: Dogs received supplemental flaxseed oil (200 mg/kg/d), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 50 mg/kg/d)-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 35 mg/kg/d), or mineral oil as a placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Clinical scores and plasma and cutaneous concentrations of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LLA), EPA, DHA, prostaglandin E2, and leukotriene B4 were determined. RESULTS: Total plasma concentrations of alpha-LLA and EPA increased and those of arachidonic acid decreased significantly with administration of EPA-DHA, and concentrations of alpha-LLA increased with flaxseed oil supplementation; nevertheless, there was no significant change in the concentrations of these fatty acids or eicosanoids in the skin. There was no correlation between clinical scores and plasma or cutaneous concentrations for any of the measured fatty acids or eicosanoids. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that at the dose used, neither the concentrations of fatty acids in skin or plasma nor a decrease in the production of inflammatory eicosanoids was a major factor involved in the mechanism of action in dogs with atopy that responded to fatty acid supplementation.     

Anti-Liver Membrane Protein Antibodies in Dogs With Chronic Hepatitis

Serum from 21 dogs with chronic hepatitis was evaluated for anti-liver membrane protein (anti-LMP) antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ten of the 21 dogs had anti-LMP antibody concentrations greater than 2 SD above the mean value for the 10 healthy control dogs; titers ranged from 1:40 to greater than 1:1,600. Anti-LMP—positive dogs were not restricted by breed, had higher alanine amino transferase activity and total bilirubin concentration, and more severe liver lesions when compared with anti-LMP—negative dogs. This study provided evidence of humoral autoantibodies in dogs with chronic hepatitis, but it did not determine if the autoantibodies were primary or secondary.     

Amino acid profile during exercise and training in Standardbreds

The objective of this study is to assess the influence of acute exercise, training and intensified training on the plasma amino acid profile.In a 32-week longitudinal study using 10 Standardbred horses, training was divided into four phases, including a phase of intensified training for five horses. At the end of each phase, a standardized exercise test, SET, was performed. Plasma amino acid concentrations before and after each SET were measured.Training significantly reduced mean plasma aspartic acid concentration, whereas exercise significantly increased the plasma concentrations of alanine, taurine, methionine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine and reduced the plasma concentrations of glycine, ornithine, glutamine, citrulline and serine. Normally and intensified trained horses differed not significantly. It is concluded that amino acids should not be regarded as limiting training performance in Standardbreds except for aspartic acid which is the most likely candidate for supplementation.     

Amino acid profiles in dogs with chronic renal failure fed two diets.

Amino acid profiles and serum albumin and serum total protein concentrations were evaluated in dogs with renal disease. Nine dogs ranging in age from 1 to 15 years were identified as having mild to moderate chronic renal failure (CRF; exogenous creatinine clearance, 0.5 to 2.13 ml/kg of body weight/min). These dogs and a group of 10 clinically normal control dogs were fed a diet containing 31% protein for 8 weeks, at which time serum and urine amino acid assays and clearance studies were performed. All dogs then were fed a diet containing 16% protein for 8 weeks and then reevaluated. Chronic renal failure was associated with mild abnormalities in serum concentrations of amino acids. When fed the higher protein diet, dogs with CRF had lower serum concentrations of glutamine, leucine, proline, and serine and higher serum concentrations of cystathionine and 3-methylhistidine than clinically normal control dogs. When fed the low protein diet, dogs with CRF had lower serum serine concentrations and higher serum concentrations of cystathionine, phenylalanine, and 3-methylhistidine. Urine excretion of amino acids in all dogs on both diets was low, and dogs with CRF had lower renal clearances of 3-methylhistidine than control dogs. There were no significant differences in concentrations of serum albumin and total solids between either group, regardless of diet. We concluded that dogs with mild to moderately severe CRF have mild abnormalities of serum free amino acid concentrations, but renal conservation of essential amino acids is not impaired.     

Determination of free and total cyst(e)ine in plasma of dogs and cats

BACKGROUND: In human blood, the amino acid cysteine forms disulfide bonds with itself and with other sulfhydryl compounds in their free form and with sulfhydryls in protein. Protein-bound cysteine is lost when plasma proteins are removed before amino acid analysis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the time course and extent of cyst(e)ine (cysteine + half-cystine) loss in dog and cat plasma. METHODS: An equal volume of 6% sulfosalicylic acid was added to plasma aliquots at 0, 2, 4, 10, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after separation of blood cells. Tris-2-carboxyethyl-phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP - HCl), a reducing agent, was used to regenerate total plasma cyst(e)ine after 3 months of sample storage (-20 degrees C). RESULTS: Initial free cyst(e)ine concentrations (mean +/- SEM) were higher in canine plasma (77 +/- 4 micromol/L) than in feline plasma (37 +/- 3 micromol/L). Free plasma cyst(e)ine concentrations in dogs and cats decreased after first-order kinetics, with a half-life of 23 and 69 hours, respectively. Total plasma cysteine after TCEP - HCl treatment was similar for dogs (290 micromol/L) and cats (296 micromol/L), but the percentage of free cysteine was higher (P = .02) in dogs (27%) than in cats (13%). Over half of the cyst(e)ine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine, and glutathione were bound in vivo to plasma proteins. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the importance of removing plasma proteins within 1 hour after blood collection for reliable assay of free plasma cyst(e)ine.     

Plasma and whole blood taurine in normal dogs of varying size fed commercially prepared food

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of signalment, body size and diet on plasma taurine and whole blood taurine concentrations. A total of 131 normal dogs consuming commercially prepared dog food had blood drawn 3-5 h post-prandially to be analysed for plasma amino acids and whole blood taurine. Body weight and morphometric measurements of each dog were taken. Plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations were 77 +/- 2.1 nmol/ml (mean +/- SEM) and 266 +/- 5.1 nmol/ml (mean +/- SEM), respectively. No effect of age, sex, body weight, body size, or diet was seen on plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations. Mean whole blood taurine concentrations were lower in dogs fed diets containing whole grain rice, rice bran or barley. The lowest whole blood concentrations were seen in dogs fed lamb or lamb meal and rice diets. Plasma methionine and cysteine concentrations were lower in dogs fed diets with animal meals or turkey, and whole grain rice, rice bran or barley. Fifteen of 131 dogs had plasma taurine concentrations lower than, or equal, to the previously reported lowest mean food-deprived plasma taurine concentration in normal dogs of 49 +/- 5 nmol/ml (mean +/- SEM) (Elliott et al., 2000). These findings support the theory that taurine deficiency in dogs may be related to the consumption of certain dietary ingredients. Scientific and clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with low blood taurine concentration in dogs; therefore, further work is indicated to determine the mechanism by which diet can affect taurine status in dogs.     

Plasma amino acid concentrations in aggressive dogs

Following the hypothesis that metabolic screens may be useful tools in the diagnosis of canine aggression we have investigated the blood plasma amino acid levels of dogs which have been found aggressive (N = 10) against dogs or men in comparison to non-aggressive dogs (N = 10). In summary, the aggressive dogs showed elevated plasma concentrations of the neurophysiological active aromatic amino acids tryptophan (46/171 micromol/l, p < 0,001), tyrosine (38/67 micromol/l, p < 0.01) and histidine (74/91 micromol/l, p < 0.01) and lower lysine concentrations (175/151 micromol/l, p < 0.05), which seems to point to a stress situation of these dogs. The nitrogen metabolism is impaired in the urea-cycle in the conversion of ornithine (17/34 micromol/l, p < 0.01) to citrulline (64/47 micromol/l). Higher levels of branched chain amino acids, especially leucine (122/150 micromol/l, p < 0.01), mainly metabolized in muscles, and isoleucin (60/71 micromol/l, p < 0.05) show a high energy potential.The acidose-stimulator methionine (48/78 micromol/l, p < 0.01) proved elevated. The results show that the changed behavior in the aggressive dogs is also reflected in their free amino acid plasma concentrations, independent of the question whether these data are the cause or the result of the aggressivity.     

Relationship among Plasma Amino Acids, C-Reactive Protein, Illness Severity, and Outcome in Critically Ill Dogs

Background: Alterations in circulating amino acids have been documented in animal models and in critically ill people but have not been evaluated in dogs with spontaneously occurring disease.
Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare amino acid concentrations in critically ill dogs and healthy controls and to investigate potential relationships among amino acids, markers of inflammation, illness severity, and clinical outcome.
Animals: Forty-eight critically ill dogs and 24 healthy control dogs.
Methods: Plasma was analyzed for amino acids and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in serum. The Fischer ratio (the molar ratio of branched chain amino acids [BCAA] to aromatic amino acids [AAA]) and survival prediction index (SPI2) were calculated.
Results: Median CRP concentrations were significantly higher in the critically ill dogs compared with controls ( P < .001). Critically ill dogs had significantly lower concentrations of alanine ( P = .001), arginine ( P < .001), citrulline ( P < .001), glycine ( P < .001), methionine ( P < .001), proline ( P < .001), and serine ( P = .001) but significantly higher concentrations of lysine ( P = .02) and phenylalanine ( P < .001; Table 1 ). This pattern resulted in a significantly lower Fischer ratio ( P = .001) in the critically ill group. Median SPI2 score was significantly higher in dogs that survived ( P = .03). Concentrations of arginine ( P = .02), isoleucine ( P = .01), leucine ( P = .04), serine ( P = .04), valine ( P = .04), total BCAA ( P = .03), and the Fischer ratio ( P = .03) were significantly higher in survivors compared with nonsurvivors.  

  Table 1.   Comparison between critically ill and healthy control dogs and among different subgroups of diseases within the critically ill group.     

15.

Current concepts in the treatment of canine chronic hepatitis     

Honeckman A 《Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice》2003,18(4):239-244

Chronic hepatitis is a common disorder in dogs seen by general practitioners. Several new drugs have been marketed for treating this disease. Unfortunately, there are few controlled studies that examine the efficacy of these medications for the treatment of canine chronic hepatitis. A rational therapeutic approach can be implemented based on histopathologic findings of a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy is essential for establishing a definitive diagnosis and guiding the optimal therapy. The biopsy allows characterizing the inflammatory process, quantitating hepatic copper concentrations, and determining if fibrosis is present. Copper associated hepatopathy is treated with zinc and copper chelators. Idiopathic chronic hepatitis is thought to be immune mediated. The treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis consists of controlling inflammation (prednisone, azathioprine), reversing fibrosis (colchicine), and protecting against oxidant damage (vitamin E, ursodeoxycholic acid, S-adenosylmethionine). The prognosis for chronic hepatitis is quite variable. Dogs with end-stage disease have a poor prognosis, while dogs diagnosed earlier can have a mean survival of years. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to the successful treatment of dogs with chronic hepatitis.     

16.

Free amino acids in the plasma and urine of dogs from birth to senescence.     

B Blazer-Yost  P F Jezyk 《American journal of veterinary research》1979,40(6):832-838

Plasma and urinary amino acid concentrations were determined from a cross-sectional sample of dogs of all ages. Reference or base line values for these components were established for five different age groups. A general decrease in urinary excretion of amino acids for each gram of creatinine was found during the developmental period. This decrease was not correlated to changes in plasma concentrations, which varied for the individual amino acids. The decrease did appear to be related to the functional maturation of the kidney. Several methylated basic amino acids were identified in the urine. Of these, NG, NG- and NG,N'G-dimethylarginine, and trimethyllysine had not been previously reported as constituents of dig urine, but are major components of the urinary amino acids, expecially in newborn animals. The 3-methylhistidine is also excreted in large amounts by dogs and measurable quantities of this compound appear in the plasma. These findings suggest an active metabolic function for methylated amino acids in the dog.     

17.

Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

H. M. ROBERTSON †  V. P. STUDDERT  R. E. REUTER † 《Australian veterinary journal》1983,60(8):235-238

SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis and increased hepatic copper concentrations, from 1,600 to 6,361 fig/g dry tissue were found in 4 related, Australian-bred Bedlington terriers. Two dogs were asymptomatic and 2 were clinically ill with signs referable to liver dysfunction. Two dogs were treated with d-penicillamine. After one year there was no improvement in the histopathological liver changes in either dog or significant lowering of hepatic copper level in one dog.     

18.

Serum pancreatic polypeptide and amylase concentrations in dogs with experimentally induced acute pancreatitis   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

R J Murtaugh  R M Jacobs  R G Sherding  T M O'Dorisio 《American journal of veterinary research》1985,46(3):654-656

Serum concentrations of immunoreactive pancreatic polypeptide (IPP) were measured serially for 7 days after experimental induction of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in dogs by infusion of oleic acid into the pancreatic duct. The mean serum IPP concentrations in dogs with pancreatitis were increased significantly (P = 0.013) for 96 hours after induction of pancreatitis. Providing food at 108 hours resulted in significant increases (P = 0.032) in mean serum IPP concentrations in sham-operated control dogs compared with dogs with induced pancreatitis. This was attributed to cephalic-phase release of IPP due to a conditioned response that resulted from feeding immediately after each blood sampling. Mean serum IPP concentrations returned to base line more quickly than did mean serum amylase concentrations in dogs with pancreatitis.     

19.

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: disease trends in a review of 229 cases     

Sanchez RF  Innocent G  Mould J  Billson FM 《The Journal of small animal practice》2007,48(4):211-217

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the disease patterns in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca referred to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study of 229 cases was carried out. RESULTS: There were 44 breeds in the study, with four breeds, English cocker spaniels, cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland white terriers and shih-tzus, making up 58 per cent of the cases. Among these four breeds, two breed-dependent disease patterns, one chronic and one acute, were identified. English cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers had a mean age at onset of clinical signs of five years and one month and five years and six months, respectively, with more females affected than males. Clinical signs consisted predominantly of conjunctival hyperaemia and mucopurulent discharge, with a relatively low incidence of ulcerative keratitis. In contrast, cavalier King Charles spaniels and shih-tzus showed a more acute disease pattern with a biphasic age distribution at 0 to less than two years of age, and four to less than six and six to less than eight years of age, respectively, with more males affected than females and a significantly higher incidence of ulcerative keratitis in some cases resulting in corneal perforation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study reveals interbreed differences with respect to sex, age and risk of ulcerative keratitis which have not been detailed previously in a referral population.     

20.

Serum α‐1‐acid glycoprotein concentration in clinically healthy puppies and adult dogs and in dogs with various diseases     

Masashi Yuki  Hiroshi Itoh  Katsuaki Takase 《Veterinary clinical pathology / American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology》2010,39(1):65-71

Background: α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute‐phase protein and a serum marker of inflammation and neoplasia in humans. AGP concentrations in diseased dogs and the potential effects of age, breed, and sex have not been elucidated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in AGP concentration based on age, sex, and breed in a large population of clinically healthy dogs and to compare AGP concentrations in dogs with various diseases. Methods: Serum was obtained from clinically healthy puppies (n=74) and adults (n=172) of both sexes, and included mongrels (n=205) and Beagles (n=41). Serum also was obtained from 192 dogs with various diseases, including 8 with pyometra that were sampled before, and 1, 2, 3, and 10 days after surgery. AGP concentration was measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Statistical comparisons were made among age, sex, breed, and disease groups. Results: Serum AGP in healthy adult mongrels was 364±106 mg/L (reference interval, 152–576 mg/L). AGP was lowest in newborns (n=11, 122±54 mg/L) and gradually increased to adult levels by 3 months of age. Median AGP concentration was highest in dogs with parvovirus (n=17, 2100 mg/L), distemper (n=7, 1250 mg/L), and pyometra (n=18, 2480 mg/L) and was also significantly higher in dogs with acute filariasis, renal failure, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, trauma, hyperadrenocorticism, and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. Dogs with acute filariasis and acute hepatopathy had significantly higher AGP concentrations than dogs with chronic filariasis and chronic hepatopathy. Serum AGP concentration decreased gradually following surgery for pyometra but remained increased after 10 days (896±175 mg/L). Conclusions: Because of significantly lower AGP in puppies, the age of dogs should be considered when using AGP as a marker of disease. Serum AGP may be a useful marker of inflammatory disease in dogs and may help differentiate acute and chronic stages of disease.     

Current concepts in the treatment of canine chronic hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is a common disorder in dogs seen by general practitioners. Several new drugs have been marketed for treating this disease. Unfortunately, there are few controlled studies that examine the efficacy of these medications for the treatment of canine chronic hepatitis. A rational therapeutic approach can be implemented based on histopathologic findings of a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy is essential for establishing a definitive diagnosis and guiding the optimal therapy. The biopsy allows characterizing the inflammatory process, quantitating hepatic copper concentrations, and determining if fibrosis is present. Copper associated hepatopathy is treated with zinc and copper chelators. Idiopathic chronic hepatitis is thought to be immune mediated. The treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis consists of controlling inflammation (prednisone, azathioprine), reversing fibrosis (colchicine), and protecting against oxidant damage (vitamin E, ursodeoxycholic acid, S-adenosylmethionine). The prognosis for chronic hepatitis is quite variable. Dogs with end-stage disease have a poor prognosis, while dogs diagnosed earlier can have a mean survival of years. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to the successful treatment of dogs with chronic hepatitis.     

Free amino acids in the plasma and urine of dogs from birth to senescence.

Plasma and urinary amino acid concentrations were determined from a cross-sectional sample of dogs of all ages. Reference or base line values for these components were established for five different age groups. A general decrease in urinary excretion of amino acids for each gram of creatinine was found during the developmental period. This decrease was not correlated to changes in plasma concentrations, which varied for the individual amino acids. The decrease did appear to be related to the functional maturation of the kidney. Several methylated basic amino acids were identified in the urine. Of these, NG, NG- and NG,N'G-dimethylarginine, and trimethyllysine had not been previously reported as constituents of dig urine, but are major components of the urinary amino acids, expecially in newborn animals. The 3-methylhistidine is also excreted in large amounts by dogs and measurable quantities of this compound appear in the plasma. These findings suggest an active metabolic function for methylated amino acids in the dog.     

Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers

SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis and increased hepatic copper concentrations, from 1,600 to 6,361 fig/g dry tissue were found in 4 related, Australian-bred Bedlington terriers. Two dogs were asymptomatic and 2 were clinically ill with signs referable to liver dysfunction. Two dogs were treated with d-penicillamine. After one year there was no improvement in the histopathological liver changes in either dog or significant lowering of hepatic copper level in one dog.     

Serum pancreatic polypeptide and amylase concentrations in dogs with experimentally induced acute pancreatitis

Serum concentrations of immunoreactive pancreatic polypeptide (IPP) were measured serially for 7 days after experimental induction of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in dogs by infusion of oleic acid into the pancreatic duct. The mean serum IPP concentrations in dogs with pancreatitis were increased significantly (P = 0.013) for 96 hours after induction of pancreatitis. Providing food at 108 hours resulted in significant increases (P = 0.032) in mean serum IPP concentrations in sham-operated control dogs compared with dogs with induced pancreatitis. This was attributed to cephalic-phase release of IPP due to a conditioned response that resulted from feeding immediately after each blood sampling. Mean serum IPP concentrations returned to base line more quickly than did mean serum amylase concentrations in dogs with pancreatitis.     

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: disease trends in a review of 229 cases

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the disease patterns in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca referred to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study of 229 cases was carried out. RESULTS: There were 44 breeds in the study, with four breeds, English cocker spaniels, cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland white terriers and shih-tzus, making up 58 per cent of the cases. Among these four breeds, two breed-dependent disease patterns, one chronic and one acute, were identified. English cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers had a mean age at onset of clinical signs of five years and one month and five years and six months, respectively, with more females affected than males. Clinical signs consisted predominantly of conjunctival hyperaemia and mucopurulent discharge, with a relatively low incidence of ulcerative keratitis. In contrast, cavalier King Charles spaniels and shih-tzus showed a more acute disease pattern with a biphasic age distribution at 0 to less than two years of age, and four to less than six and six to less than eight years of age, respectively, with more males affected than females and a significantly higher incidence of ulcerative keratitis in some cases resulting in corneal perforation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study reveals interbreed differences with respect to sex, age and risk of ulcerative keratitis which have not been detailed previously in a referral population.     

Serum α‐1‐acid glycoprotein concentration in clinically healthy puppies and adult dogs and in dogs with various diseases

Background: α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute‐phase protein and a serum marker of inflammation and neoplasia in humans. AGP concentrations in diseased dogs and the potential effects of age, breed, and sex have not been elucidated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in AGP concentration based on age, sex, and breed in a large population of clinically healthy dogs and to compare AGP concentrations in dogs with various diseases. Methods: Serum was obtained from clinically healthy puppies (n=74) and adults (n=172) of both sexes, and included mongrels (n=205) and Beagles (n=41). Serum also was obtained from 192 dogs with various diseases, including 8 with pyometra that were sampled before, and 1, 2, 3, and 10 days after surgery. AGP concentration was measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Statistical comparisons were made among age, sex, breed, and disease groups. Results: Serum AGP in healthy adult mongrels was 364±106 mg/L (reference interval, 152–576 mg/L). AGP was lowest in newborns (n=11, 122±54 mg/L) and gradually increased to adult levels by 3 months of age. Median AGP concentration was highest in dogs with parvovirus (n=17, 2100 mg/L), distemper (n=7, 1250 mg/L), and pyometra (n=18, 2480 mg/L) and was also significantly higher in dogs with acute filariasis, renal failure, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, trauma, hyperadrenocorticism, and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. Dogs with acute filariasis and acute hepatopathy had significantly higher AGP concentrations than dogs with chronic filariasis and chronic hepatopathy. Serum AGP concentration decreased gradually following surgery for pyometra but remained increased after 10 days (896±175 mg/L). Conclusions: Because of significantly lower AGP in puppies, the age of dogs should be considered when using AGP as a marker of disease. Serum AGP may be a useful marker of inflammatory disease in dogs and may help differentiate acute and chronic stages of disease.