Age-specific plasma biochemistry reference ranges in <1 year old dogs in Japan

The purpose of this study was to investigate and propose possible reference intervals of plasma biochemical analytes in young dogs (<12 months old) in Japan, using 896 canine plasma samples, collected from an array of veterinary clinics throughout the greater Tokyo metropolis area in Japan. The following biochemical parameters were assessed: albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), glucose, lipase, total cholesterol (T-Cho), and total protein (TP) were evaluated. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that partitioning according to age or gender may be necessary for some plasma analytes. Age appeared to significantly affect ALB, ALT, ALP, BUN, Glucose, Lipase, and Total Protein (P=?<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.013, <0.001, 0.025, and <0.001, respectively). On the other hand, gender significantly influenced ALP, Amylase, Lipase, and T-Cho levels (P=0.017, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) whereas it may be borderline significant with ALT (P=0.072).     

Clinicopathological findings in naturally occurring cases of babesiosis caused by large form Babesia from dogs of northeastern Italy

There are few extensive studies about clinicopathological findings of spontaneous canine babesiosis caused by a large form of the parasite found in Europe. To further characterize and describe clinicopathological findings in dogs affected with this large form of Babesia in northeastern Italy, we evaluated 23 Italian dogs with canine babesiosis by means of clinical history, physical examination, hematological, biochemical, hemostatic tests, serum electrophoresis and urinalysis. Seventeen dogs (74%) had recently traveled on a hunting trip (within 5-15 days of being presented to the clinic) to Bosnia and Herzegovina (n=7), to Croatia (n=8) and to Hungary (n=2). The duration of clinical signs ranged from 1 to 5 days prior to the arrival at the clinic. The main clinical signs were dehydration (100%), apathy (74%), anorexia or decrease appetite (70%) and fever (68%). The anemia was present in 74% of the dogs and classified as mild (35%), moderate (59%) and severe (6%). In all cases, the anemia was normocytic and normochromic. Only three dogs presented erythrocyte regeneration. Seventy percent of dogs had hemolytic anemia and 30% had non-hemolytic anemia. Sixty-nine percent of dogs showed leucopenia and 74% neutropenia. Leucocitosis, due to mature neutrophilia and lymphocytosis, was present in one dog. Activated lymphocytes were noted in 61% of dogs. In all dogs, thrombocytopenia and an elevated hyperfibrinogenemia were present. Significant prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was only found in one case. In four dogs, both plasma fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-Dimer were increased. Antithrombin (AT) was slightly decreased in 11 of the 23 dogs. In the majority of cases, mild elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinekinase (CK), total bilirubin and lactic acid and decrease of total iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were present. In conclusion, the main clinicopathological findings were a mild to severe thrombocytopenia, a mild to moderate hemolytic anemia, neutropenia and hyperfibrinogenemia.     

The elevated serum urea:creatinine ratio in canine babesiosis in South Africa is not of renal origin

Pigmented serum, usually due to free haemoglobin and/or bilirubin, is a common finding in dogs with babesiosis, resulting in interference with all biochemical tests that rely on photochemistry. This is particularly true of urea and creatinine determinations, complicating the diagnosis of acute renal failure, which is a serious complication of babesiosis. A disproportionately raised serum urea concentration of unknown origin occurs in severely anaemic canine babesiosis patients and gives rise to an increased serum urea:creatinine ratio. The assay for cystatin-C, an excellent measure of glomerular filtration rate, is unaffected by free serum haemoglobin, and due to its different intrinsic origins, is free of influence by the metabolic derangements and organ pathology, other than renal disease, encountered in canine babesiosis. Serum cystatin-C was used to compare the concentrations of serum urea and serum creatinine in dogs with the severely anaemic form of canine babesiosis as well as a canine babesiosis-free reference group. Mean serum urea and mean serum urea:creatinine ratio were significantly elevated in the babesia-infected group relative to the reference population in this study. Mean serum creatinine and mean serum cystatin-C were within the reference ranges. Therefore an elevated urea:creatinine ratio in canine babesiosis in the presence of a normal serum creatinine concentration is considered to be caused by an elevated serum urea concentration and is most likely of non-renal origin. Serum creatinine was therefore as specific a measure of renal function as serum cystatin-C in canine babesiosis in this study. The sensitivity of serum creatinine as a measure of renal function was not established by this study. Serum urea, however, proved to be of little use compared to serum cystatin-C and serum creatinine. Serum urea should therefore not be used to diagnose renal failure in canine babesiosis.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hypoglycemia in virulent canine babesiosis

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of virulent canine babesiosis. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in canine babesiosis from Babesia canis rossi. Plasma glucose concentration was measured at presentation in 250 dogs with babesiosis, of which 111 were admitted to hospital. The prevalence of hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dL) was 9% (23/250). Twenty-two hypoglycemic dogs required admission, making the prevalence of hypoglycemia in admitted dogs 19.8%. Sixteen dogs had severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL), of which 5 had glucose < 18 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia (>100 mg/dL) was present in 38 dogs, of which 21 were admitted. Risk factors for hypoglycemia identified by univariate analysis were collapsed state (P < .00001), severe anemia (P = .0002), icterus (P = .003), age < 6 months (P = .02), and vomiting (P = .03). After logistic regression analysis, collapsed state (odds ratio [OR] = 18; 95% CI, 1.9-171; P = .01) and young age (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.8-9.7; P = .1) remained significantly associated with hypoglycemia. Toy breeds and pregnant bitches were not at higher risk for hypoglycemia than other dogs. Blood glucose concentration should ideally be measured in all dogs requiring inpatient treatment for babesiosis but is mandatory in collapsed dogs; puppies; and dogs with severe anemia, vomiting, or icterus. Many dogs have probably been misdiagnosed with cerebral babesiosis in the past, and hypoglycemia should be suspected in any dog with coma or other neurological signs.     

Are urea and creatinine values reliable indicators of azotaemia in canine babesiosis?

Serum urea and creatinine are extensively used as parameters to screen for azotaemia. Their reciprocal plots roughly correlate with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). They are, however, subject to influence by non-renal factors and to increase their specificity they are often tested concurrently. In renal disease they are expected to behave similarly, with both parameters increasing as GFR decreases. Haemolysis, as it occurs in canine babesiosis, may cause non-renal elevations in serum urea, possibly due to ammonia loading. Furthermore, haemolysis with its related elevations in serum bilirubin and serum haemoglobin, may negatively bias the measurement of serum creatinine due to interference of these substances with the chemical analysis of serum creatinine. This negative bias occurs when the alkaline picrate method, or when direct enzymatic methods based on the measurement of hydrogen peroxide, are used. In order to investigate the significance of these perturbations in canine babesiosis, paired values of serum urea and serum creatinine from Babesia canis-negative, non-haemolysis dogs (Group 1), were used to establish a relationship between urea and creatinine over a range of azotaemia by linear regression analysis. This relationship was then used to predict serum creatinine values from actual serum urea values in B. canis-positive dogs (Group 2). The mean of the predicted serum creatinine values for Group 2 (237.03 micromol/l) was then compared with the mean of the actual serum creatinine values for Group 2 (131.31 micromol/l). For Group 2, the mean actual serum creatinine demonstrated a significant negative bias relative to the mean predicted creatinine value. There was also a higher correlation between serum urea and serum creatinine in Group 1 than in Group 2. These findings may have been caused by either nonrenal elevations of serum urea values or by interference with the measurement of serum creatinine. Therefore, although it is possible that some Group 2 dogs with B. canis with high serum urea and normal, low, or zero values for serum creatinine were not azotaemic, it is also possible that other Group 2 dogs with these biochemical findings did in fact have azotaemia. This study concluded that urea and creatinine do not behave in a similar and predictable manner over a range of azotaemia in canine babesiosis and are therefore not ideally suited for the detection of renal disease in this clinical setting.     

Effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on routine plasma biochemical constituents in canine plasma

BACKGROUND: The effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on plasma constituents has not been assessed in dogs, although such a procedure is not uncommon to use in routine laboratory practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on routine plasma constituents in healthy dogs. METHODS: Six healthy adult dogs were used. Blood was sampled and placed in heparinized tubes. After centrifugation, plasma was separated into 5 aliquots. One aliquot was considered as the reference aliquot and used immediately for the assay of all of the biochemical constituents. All of the other aliquots were stored at 20 degrees C. Three aliquots underwent 1, 2, or 3 freeze-thaw cycles during a 1- to 3-day period. The last aliquot remained at 20 degrees C throughout the study and was thawed on the third day. The following biochemical constituents were assayed: glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphates, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). RESULTS: No clinically relevant change was observed between the different aliquots for all of the constituents. CONCLUSION: Repeated freeze-thaw cycles do not cause changes in the biochemical constituents studied in canine plasma.     

Serum concentration of some acute phase proteins in naturally occurring canine babesiosis: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND: Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins can provide valuable diagnostic information in the detection, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. Information available on the acute phase response in naturally occurring canine babesiosis is limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively evaluate serum concentrations of haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis. METHODS: Haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were measured in serum samples from dogs with uncomplicated (n = 6) and complicated (n = 1) babesiosis and compared with 6 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Serum C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis; however, serum haptoglobin concentration was significantly lower compared with control dogs (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that acute phase protein concentrations could be beneficial in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of babesiosis in dogs.     

Metabolic and electrolyte disturbances in acute canine babesiosis.

Arterial blood pH, PCO2, bicarbonate, base excess/deficit, and lactate, as well as serum sodium, potassium, and chloride were measured in clinically normal dogs and in dogs with acute canine babesiosis. Metabolic acidosis developed in dogs with fatal as well as nonfatal Babesia canis infection. In the fatal group, the acidosis was uncompensated; among survivors, base deficit and blood lactate were significantly lower, and pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate values were significantly higher. Serum potassium values were significantly lower, and serum chloride values were significantly higher in dogs with acute babesiosis than in clinically normal dogs. The shock resulting from acute canine babesiosis is best viewed as anemic shock. Treatment should include an alkalizing agent, a blood transfusion, fluid therapy, and a babesicidal drug.     

Serum liver enzyme activities in healthy Miniature Schnauzers with and without hypertriglyceridemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hypertriglyceridemia in healthy Miniature Schnauzers is associated with high serum liver enzyme activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 65 Miniature Schnauzers with serum triglyceride concentrations within the reference range (group 1), 20 Miniature Schnauzers with slightly high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 2), and 20 Miniature Schnauzers with moderately to severely high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 3). PROCEDURES: Questionnaires regarding each dog's medical history were completed, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and G-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were measured. RESULTS: Median serum ALP activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2 dogs, but was not significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 dogs. Median serum ALT activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 dogs, but was not significantly different between any of the other groups. Compared with group 1 dogs, group 2 and 3 dogs were significantly more likely to have high serum ALP activity (odds ratio, 26.2 and 192.6, respectively). Group 3 dogs also were significantly more likely to have high serum ALT activity (odds ratio, 8.0), serum AST activity (odds ratio, 3.7), and serum GGT activity (odds ratio, 11.3), compared with group 1 dogs. Group 3 dogs were significantly more likely (odds ratio, 31.0) to have > or = 2 high serum liver enzyme activities than were group 1 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia was associated with high serum liver enzyme activities in Miniature Schnauzers.     

Nitric oxide metabolites in naturally occurring canine babesiosis.

Babesiosis, caused by the virulent haemoprotozoan parasite Babesia canis rossi, is an important disease of dogs in South Africa. The nitric oxide metabolites, nitrate and nitrite (collectively termed reactive nitrogen intermediates or RNIs) were measured in admission sera from dogs in a babesiosis-endemic area. Five groups were prospectively studied: mild uncomplicated (n=9), severe uncomplicated (severe anaemia) (n=10) and complicated babesiosis (n=11); and two groups of healthy aparasitaemic dogs: endemic controls from the study area (n=10) and experimental dogs kept in tick-free conditions (n=10). Four measures of RNI production were studied: (i) serum RNI; (ii) serum RNI/creatinine ratio; (iii) fractional clearance of RNI (FC(RNI)); (iv) fractional excretion of RNI (FE(RNI)). Marked elevations of serum RNI occurred in only two dogs, both in the severe uncomplicated group. The highest concentration (log value 5.29 micromol/l) was in a dog that died, but concentrations in the other four dogs that died were unremarkable (0, 0.34, 1.66 and 2.64 micromol/l). Age, appetite and free serum haemoglobin were significant covariates for measures of RNI production. There were no significant differences among the babesiosis groups for serum RNI. Adjustment for creatinine had minor effects on the results. All babesiosis groups had significantly higher serum RNI and RNI/creatinine than the tick-free control group, but did not differ from the endemic controls except for the severe uncomplicated group, which had higher RNI/creatinine. The complicated group had significantly lower FC(RNI) and FE(RNI) than all other groups, except for the tick-free control group, which had similar FE(RNI). The results indicate that, in an endemic area, measures of RNI production are unlikely to be useful indicators of severity or outcome in canine babesiosis.     

The Influence of Age on Clinical Biochemical Parameters in Pure-bred Arabian Mares

Specific reference intervals are needed for each animal species for the appropriate interpretation of the results obtained from serum biochemical tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood composition of pure-bred Arabian mares to evaluate the need for defining reference values for different age groups. In all, 90 clinically healthy mares from five farms were used in the trial. For the determination of the effect of age, 90 mares were assigned to six groups. Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F comprised 15 foals aged ≤5 months (mean ± SD: 2.45 ± 1.88), 15 foals aged 6 to 18 months (mean ± SD: 9.33 ± 2.93), 15 mares aged 2 to 5 years (mean ± SD: 3.91 ± 0.7), 15 mares aged 6 to 12 years (mean ± SD: 8.66 ± 2.3), 15 mares aged 14 to 20 years (mean ± SD: 17.81 ± 2.13), and 15 mares aged >20 years (mean ± SD: 22.8 ± 1.93), respectively. Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations were measured in the blood serum samples. There were significant age-related alterations for most of the biochemical parameters, except for ALT, LDH activities, and glucose, albumin, magnesium, and iron levels. The results of the present study showed that direct bilirubin (P < .01), ALP, and phosphorus decreased significantly (P < .001), whereas BUN, calcium (P < .01), creatinine, total protein, and total bilirubin increased (P < .001) with age. In foals, ALP activity, direct bilirubin, and phosphorus levels were higher, whereas BUN, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, and calcium levels were lower as compared with older animals. Biochemical values determined in the present study serve as reference ranges for pure-bred Arabian mares and can be used for health control and diagnosis of diseases.     

Glucose, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations in dogs with babesiosis

OBJECTIVE: To document changes in glucose, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations in dogs with severe or complicated babesiosis; assess relationships among glucose, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations in those dogs; and compare clinical and laboratory variables in dogs with and without hypoglycemia and hyperlactatemia. ANIMALS: 20 dogs with naturally developing severe or complicated babesiosis. PROCEDURE: Samples and measurements were obtained before treatment was initiated. Babesiosis was diagnosed by examination of blood smears. Arterial blood pressure measurement, parasite quantification, CBC count, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, venous blood gas analysis, and acid-base determination were performed. Glucose, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations were measured in samples of venous blood. RESULTS: We detected a significant negative correlation between glucose and lactate concentrations. Glucose, lactate, and pyruvate concentrations all differed significantly between dogs that died and those that survived. Three of 5 dogs that died had concurrent hypoglycemia, hyperlactatemia, and hyperpyruvatemia. Hypoglycemic dogs differed significantly from normoglycemic dogs with regard to lactate, urea, and bicarbonate concentrations; lactate-to-pyruvate ratio; percentage parasitemia; and PCO2. Dogs with hyperlactatemia differed significantly from normolactatemic dogs with regard to clinical collapse; alanine transaminase activity; concentrations of bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and bicarbonate; percentage parasitemia; and PCO2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abnormal carbohydrate metabolism is commonly evident in dogs with severe or complicated babesiosis and is often associated with changes in other clinical and laboratory variables. Significant differences were found between survivors and nonsurvivors. Hypoglycemia should be assessed and aggressively treated in dogs with babesiosis. Lactate concentration can be used as an indicator of disease severity.     

Geographic distribution of babesiosis among dogs in the United States and association with dog bites: 150 cases (2000-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To identify the geographic distribution of babesiosis among dogs in the United States and determine, for dogs other than American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs), whether infection was associated with a recent dog bite. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 150 dogs. PROCEDURE: Canine blood samples submitted to the North Carolina State University Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory between May 2000 and October 2003 for which results of a Babesia-specific polymerase chain reaction assay were positive were identified, and breed and geographic origin of dogs from which samples were obtained were recorded. History and hematologic abnormalities for dogs that were not APBTs were recorded, and possible associations with a recent dog bite were examined. RESULTS: Dogs positive for Babesia DNA were located in 29 states and 1 Canadian province (Ontario). Babesia gibsoni was the most commonly detected species, with B gibsoni DNA detected in blood samples from 131 of 144 (91%) dogs. Of the 131 dogs positive for B gibsoni DNA, 122 (93%) were APBTs. Of the 10 dogs positive for Babesia canis vogeli DNA, 6 were Greyhounds. In dogs other than APBTs, there was an association between having recently been bitten by another dog, particularly an APBT, and infection with B gibsoni. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results document an expansion of the known geographic range for babesiosis among dogs in the United States. Testing for babesiosis should be pursued in dogs with clinicopathologic abnormalities consistent with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia, particularly if there is a history of a recent dog bite.     

Autochthonous canine babesiosis in The Netherlands

Outbreaks of autochthonous babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, occurred in The Netherlands in the spring and autumn of 2004 affecting 23 dogs. Nineteen animals recovered after treatment, whereas four dogs died. Adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected from these dogs indicate that canine babesiosis could become endemic in The Netherlands.     

Canine babesiosis in Slovenia: molecular evidence of Babesia canis canis and Babesia canis vogeli

Canine babesiosis, caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia spp., is a tick-borne disease of worldwide importance. No information on canine babesiosis has been documented in Slovenia. Therefore, 238 dogs admitted to the Small animal clinic in Ljubljana from the years 2000 to 2002 were tested for the presence of babesial parasites in the blood. Based on clinical, microscopic and molecular investigations, 14 dogs (5.9%) were determined as being infected with babesiae. Clinical signs relating to acute haemolysis, fever, anorexia, depression and haematological abnormalities such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia were noticed in most of the 14 infected dogs. The morphology of the parasites was indicative of Babesia canis infection. Two subspecies were detected, namely B. canis canis (11 dogs, 4.6%) and B. canis vogeli (3 dogs, 1.3%) using PCR and subsequent sequence analysis of portions of nns rRNA gene. In addition, based on nucleotide sequence analysis, the 11 isolates of B. c. canis could be subdivided into three groups, whereas the three B. c. vogeli isolates were genetically identical. The results of this study demonstrate the presence of canine babesiosis due to B. c. canis and B. c. vogeli in Slovenia.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical changes in Salmonella ser Typhimurium-infected calves

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hematologic and serum biochemical changes in Salmonella ser Typhimurium-infected calves. ANIMALS: 16 male 3- to 4-week-old dairy calves. PROCEDURE: 13 calves were experimentally infected with S Typhimurium (strains IR715 and CS401, which are derivatives of ATCC 14028), and 3 calves were uninfected controls. Several hematologic and serum biochemical parameters were measured. RESULTS: Hematologic changes included increases in PCV, RBC count, and hemoglobin concentration, associated with a transitory leukopenia characterized by neutropenia and lymphopenia. Biochemical findings included hypoglycemia, increased BUN, creatinine, and fibrinogen concentrations, and decreased sodium, total CO2, calcium, total protein, and albumin concentrations. Increased total bilirubin concentration associated with decreased conjugated bilirubin concentration was also observed. No significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase activities were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Experimental salmonellosis of calves results in marked to severe dehydration, accompanied by metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and an acute inflammatory response associated with increased fibrinogen concentrations and severe neutropenia immediately after inoculation.     

Gender Differences–Induced Changes in Serum Hematologic and Biochemical Variables in Mangalarga Marchador Horses After a Marcha Gait Competition

The aim of this study was to investigate whether marcha exercise results in changes in serum hematologic and biochemical variables and whether this condition differs in male and female horses. Thirty-five Mangalarga Marchador horses, 18 males and 17 females were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after a marcha competition. Samples were used for measurement of hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), red blood cell (RBC), total and differential white blood cell (WBC), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Crea), and urea (BUN) levels. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by the Tukey test (P < .05). In both males and females, RBC, HCT, AST, and GGT activity increased in response to exercise, but there were no significant differences between genders. In females, significant increases in TP, BUN, Crea, CK, and LDH levels were detected after the marcha gait, but no such changes were detected in males. Total WBC concentrations increased in response to the exercise in both, males and females; however, there were no differences between genders. Plasma HGB, Alb, and ALP levels after marcha gait did not differ in both genders. Marcha exercise–induced significant hematologic and biochemical changes in serum of Mangalarga Marchador horses, independently of gender. However, females presented more blood changes after marcha gait. Gender differences should be taken into consideration in experiments with athletic horses.     

Renal involvement in dogs with babesiosis

Proteinuria, and renal tubular casts and epithelial cells in urine sediment, are commonly observed in both complicated and uncomplicated babesiosis, but do not necessarily reflect or predict renal failure. This study investigated the presence and degree of renal damage in canine babesiosis. Renal function and integrity were evaluated using serum urea and creatinine, serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium), fractional clearance of sodium (FcNa) and potassium (FcK), urine enzyme activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, urine protein:creatinine ratio, and urinalysis. One control group (n = 10) and 3 groups of babesiosis cases were studied: mild uncomplicated (n = 10), severe uncomplicated (n = 11), and complicated (n = 9). All babesiosis groups showed well-concentrated urine. Mean serum urea was elevated in the severe and complicated groups, and was significantly different from the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for creatinine, although the complicated group had a mean value above the normal reference range. Hypokalaemia was uncommon in all the groups. Hyperkalaemia was present in only 2 dogs in the complicated group. Marginal hyponatraemia was present in a minority of dogs in all groups. The serum electrolytes were not significantly different between groups. There was no overall elevation, nor any statistically significant difference in both the FcNa and FcK between the groups. Only 1 dog, in the complicated group, showed marked enzymuria. Proteinuria was a common finding and was significantly different between the severe and complicated groups and the control group. Some dogs in all groups had renal tubular epithelial cells in the urinary sediment, which increased in severity from the mild to the complicated groups and was significantly different from the control group. This study demonstrated that minimal renal damage occurs more often in canine babesiosis than significant damage or acute renal failure.     

The response of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-thyroidal axes to the plasma glucose perturbations in Babesia canis rossi babesiosis

This prospective, cross-sectional, interventional study was designed to determine the association between the hormones of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-thyroid axes and other clinical parameters with the blood glucose perturbations in dogs with naturally occurring Babesia canis rossi babesiosis. Thirty-six dogs with canine babesiosis were studied. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein in each dog prior to treatment at admission to hospital and serum endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), pre-ACTH cortisol, thyroxine, free thyroxine and TSH concentrations were measured. Immediately thereafter each dog was injected intravenously with 5 microg/kg of ACTH (tetracosactrin). A 2nd blood sample was taken 1 hour later for serum post-ACTH cortisol measurement. Three patient groups were recruited: hypoglycaemic dogs (glucose < 3.3 mmol/l, n = 12); normoglycaemic dogs (glucose 3.3-5.5 mmol/l, n = 12); hyperglycaemic dogs (glucose > 5.5 mmol/l, n = 12). Basal and post-ACTH serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in hypoglycaemic dogs, whereas body temperature, serum thyroxine and free thyroxine were significantly lower in hypoglycaemic dogs. Haematocrit was significantly lower in both hypo-and hyperglycaemic dogs compared with normoglycaemic dogs. Low blood glucose concentrations were significantly associated with high basal and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations and with low serum thyroxine and free thyroxine concentrations in dogs suffering from B. canis rossi babesiosis.     

Comparison of two dry chemistry analyzers and a wet chemistry analyzer using canine serum

Canine serum was used to compare seven chemistry analytes on two tabletop clinical dry chemistry analyzers, Boehringer's Reflotron and Kodak's Ektachem. Results were compared to those obtained on a wet chemistry reference analyzer, Roche Diagnostic's Cobas Mira. Analytes measured were urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol and bilirubin. Nine to 12 canine sera with values in the low, normal, and high range were evaluated. The correlations were acceptable for all comparisons with correlation coefficients greater than 0.98 for all analytes. Regression analysis resulted in significant differences for both tabletop analyzers when compared to the reference analyzer for cholesterol and bilirubin, and for glucose and AST on the Kodak Ektachem. Differences appeared to result from proportional systematic error occurring at high analyte concentrations.