Extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase A autoantibody and C‐reactive protein as serum biomarkers for diagnosis of cancer in dogs

Protein kinase A, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐dependent enzyme, normally exists within mammalian cells; however, in cancer cells, it can leak out and be found in the serum. Extracellular cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A (ECPKA) has been determined to increase in the serum of cancer‐bearing dogs. However, there have been no reports in the veterinary literature on serum ECPKA autoantibody (ECPKA‐Ab) expression in dogs with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate ECPKA‐Ab and C‐reactive protein (CRP) as serum biomarkers for cancer in dogs. ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from dogs with malignant tumours (n = 167), benign tumours (n = 42), or non‐tumour disease (n = 155) and from healthy control dogs (n = 123). ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels were significantly higher in the dogs with malignant tumours than in those with benign tumours or non‐tumour diseases, as well as in the healthy controls (P < 0.001, Kruskal‐Wallis test). There was a significant positive correlation between the neoplastic index, which was developed using ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels, and the presence of cancer in dogs (P < 0.001); the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was estimated to be >0.85 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, ECPKA‐Ab is a potential serum biomarker for a broad spectrum of cancers. Combined measurement of CRP and ECPKA‐Ab levels in serum improves the sensitivity and accuracy of a diagnosis of cancer in dogs.     

C‐reactive protein concentration in dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia

Background: Canine primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is associated with a high-mortality rate. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most important acute-phase protein in dogs and may have value as a marker of prognosis or response to treatment in IMHA. Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate serum CRP concentration in dogs with primary IMHA at presentation and during treatment, to assess potential differences based on survival time, and to compare CRP with other laboratory parameters of inflammation and prognosis. Methods: Inclusion criteria for primary IMHA were anemia (PCV<0.30 L/L), a positive Coombs' test or persistent autoagglutination of erythrocytes, and the exclusion of underlying diseases by other diagnostic tests. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on survival: dogs that were still alive 14 days after start of treatment (group 1) and dogs that died or were euthanized before day 14 (group 2). Serum CRP concentration, a CBC, and a biochemistry profile were performed on days 0, 3, 8, and 14. Serum CRP also was determined in 25 clinically healthy dogs. Results: CRP concentration in the 25 clinically healthy dogs ranged from 0–8.9 μg/mL (median 2.2 μg/mL). Thirty dogs were diagnosed with primary IMHA, 24 in group 1 and 6 in group 2. On day 0, CRP concentration in dogs in both groups (median 224 μg/mL) was increased above the reference interval. In group 1 dogs, median CRP concentration was 242 μg/mL on day 0, 69 μg/mL on day 3, 35 μg/mL on day 8, and 2 μg/mL on day 14. In group 2 dogs, median CRP concentration was 194 μg/mL on day 0, 119 μg/mL on day 3, and 41 μg/mL on day 8; only 1 dog in group 2 survived to day 8. There was a significant correlation between CRP and total WBC concentrations on days 0 and 3 (r=−.598, P=.003). Conclusions: Serum CRP concentration was markedly increased in dogs with primary IMHA. CRP concentration did not differ based on patient survival, but might be a marker for long-term monitoring of these patients.     

Canine Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Part II: Pathophysiology and therapy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is characterized by ventricular and atrial enlargement, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, with congestive heart failure (CHF) often developing at some stage. With greater understanding of the impact of neuroendocrine stimulation in heart disease, the understanding of the pathophysiology for CHF has changed considerably. It is no longer considered only to be a simple haemodynamic consequence of pump dysfunction, but is now characterized as a complex clinical syndrome with release of many neurohormones, which are believed to have impact on the progression of disease. This change in our understanding of the pathophysiology of CHF has important therapeutic implications. There are strong indications, although not yet proven, that drugs designed to influence the neuroendocrine activity, such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-receptors antagonists, are efficacious as adjunct therapy of heart failure attributable to DCM in dogs. The benefits of drugs designed to influence the myocardial contractile state (positive inotropes) have not been fully evaluated. However, evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that new types of positive inotropes may be beneficial in dogs with DCM. This review focuses on the neuroendocrine aspects of DCM and their possible therapeutic implications and the place for long-term inotropic support in dogs with DCM.     

Rethinking equine gastric ulcer syndrome: Part 1 – Terminology,clinical signs and diagnosis

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common condition in the horse. A series of recent articles highlighting differences in healing of squamous and glandular ulceration have reinvigorated interest in the condition. The purpose of this series of articles is to review the current thinking on EGUS with particular emphasis on the differences between diseases of the squamous and glandular mucosae. This article, the first will review the terminology, clinical signs and diagnosis of EGUS in the horse.     

Traumatic brain injury: a review of pathophysiology and management

Objective – To review current information regarding the pathophysiology associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to outline appropriate patient assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic options. Etiology – TBI in veterinary patients can occur subsequent to trauma induced by motor vehicle accidents, falls, and crush injuries. Primary brain injury occurs at the time of initial impact as a result of direct mechanical damage. Secondary brain injury occurs in the minutes to days following the trauma as a result of systemic extracranial events and intracranial changes. Diagnosis – The initial diagnosis is often made based on history and physical examination. Assessment should focus on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems followed by a complete neurologic examination. Advanced imaging may be indicated in a patient that fails to respond to appropriate medical therapy. Therapy – Primary brain injury is beyond the control of the veterinarian. Therefore, treatment should focus on minimizing the incidence or impact of secondary brain injury. Because of a lack of prospective or retrospective clinical data, treatment recommendations for veterinary TBI patients are primarily based on human and experimental studies and personal experience. Therapeutic guidelines have been developed that center on maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion. Prognosis – Severe head trauma is associated with high mortality in humans and animals. However, dogs and cats have a remarkable ability to compensate for loss of cerebral tissue. It is therefore important not to reach hasty prognostic conclusions based on initial appearance. Many pets go on to have a functional outcome and recover from injury.     

An updated view of hemostasis: mechanisms of hemostatic dysfuntion associated with sepsis

Objective: To review the current understanding of mechanisms involved in normal hemostasis and to describe the changes associated with pro‐inflammatory disease processes such as sepsis. Data sources: Original research articles and scientific reviews. Human data synthesis: Organ damage caused by sepsis is created in part by the interdependent relationship between hemostasis and inflammation. Markers of coagulation have been found to have prognostic value in human patients with sepsis and there are both experimental and clinical investigations of the therapeutic potential of modulating the hemostatic system in sepsis. Improvement of 28‐day all‐cause mortality in severe sepsis by treatment with recombinant human activated Protein C strongly supports the interdependence of hemostasis and inflammation in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Veterinary data synthesis: Publications reporting clinical evaluation of the hemostatic changes occurring in septic dogs or cats are minimal. Experimental animal models of sepsis reveal significant similarity between human and animal sepsis and may provide relevance to clinical veterinary medicine until prospective clinical evaluations are published. Conclusions: It is now apparent that inflammation and the coagulation system are intimately connected. Understanding this relationship provides some insight into the pathogenesis of the hemostatic changes associated with sepsis. This new updated view of hemostasis may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in veterinary medicine.     

Evaluation of serum haptoglobin and C‐reactive protein in dogs with mammary tumors

Background: In veterinary medicine, there is increasing interest in measuring acute phase proteins as a tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of neoplastic diseases. Although mammary neoplasms are the most common type of cancer in dogs, acute phase proteins have not been extensively evaluated in dogs with mammary tumors. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum haptoglobin (Hp) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in the dogs with mammary tumors and assess their potential association with malignancy. Methods: A retrospective study of dogs with mammary tumors was performed. Serum concentrations of CRP and Hp were determined in healthy control dogs (n=20) and dogs with mammary tumors before surgery (n=41). Mammary tumors were grouped as carcinomas (n=24), fibrosarcoma (n=1), malignant mixed tumors (n=7), benign mixed tumors (n=6), and adenomas (n=3). CRP and Hp concentrations were compared in dogs with different tumor types and were also compared based on tumor size, lymph node infiltration, skin ulceration, fixation to underlying tissue, and time between tumor identification and removal. Results: Hp concentration was significantly (P<.043) higher in dogs with mammary tumors (median 2.03 g/L, range 0.09–2.94 g/L) compared with controls (1.38 g/L, range 0.08–3.00 g/L), but the range of values overlapped considerably. CRP concentration was higher in dogs with carcinomas (4.70 mg/L, range 0.63–128.96 mg/L) vs controls (2.11 mg/L, range 0.25–6.57 mg/L) (P=.0008) and in dogs with ulcerated skin (14.8 mg/L, range 5.7–128.9 mg/L, n=3) compared with those without ulceration (2.4 mg/L, range 0.11–30.3 mg/L, n=38) (P=.048). Conclusions: Serum Hp and CRP do not appear to have value in diagnosing or predicting malignancy of mammary tumors in dogs. Higher CRP concentrations in dogs with mammary carcinoma suggest a role for inflammation in this tumor type.     

Pathophysiology,diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis

Sepsis is a major cause of death in neonatal foals and, in recent years, significant progress in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology has been made. To achieve a successful outcome, early diagnosis and treatment focusing on supporting vital functions and neutralising the effects of the causative organisms are essential. The pharmacokinetics of many drugs differ in neonatal foals and more information for appropriate dosing of antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory drugs for neonatal foals is now available to guide clinicians in choosing the best dosages. Prevention remains difficult and focuses on early recognition while prophylactic use of antimicrobials is discouraged.     

Effect of Leukoreduction on Transfusion‐Induced Inflammation in Dogs

Background: Removal of leukocytes (LR) has been shown to eliminate or attenuate many of the adverse effects of transfusion in experimental animals and humans. Hypothesis/Objectives: Transfusion of stored packed red blood cells (pRBCs) is associated with an inflammatory response in dogs and prestorage LR attenuates the inflammatory response. Animals: Thirteen random‐source, clinically healthy, medium and large breed dogs. Methods: Experimental study. On day 0, animals were examined and baseline blood samples were collected for analysis. Whole blood was then collected for processing with and without LR, and stored as pRBC. Twenty‐one days later, stored pRBCs were transfused back to the donor. Blood samples were collected before and 1 and 3 days after transfusion. Results: In the dogs that received non‐LR pRBCs (n = 6) there was a significant increase from baseline in white blood cell count from a mean (SD) of 8.20 (2.74) to 13.95 (4.60) × 10³ cells/μL (P < .001) and in segmented neutrophil count from a mean (SD) of 5.76 (2.70) to 11.91 (4.71) × 10³ cells/μL (P < .001). There were also significant increases in fibrinogen from a mean (SD) of 129.7 (24.2) to 268.6 (46.7) mg/dL (P < .001) and C‐reactive protein from a mean (SD) of 1.9 (2.1) to 78.3 (39.3) μg/mL (P < .001). There was no significant increase from baseline in any of the markers in the dogs that received LR pRBC (n = 5). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: There is a profound inflammatory response to transfusion in normal dogs, which is eliminated by LR of the pRBC units.