Serum Levels of Type III Procollagen Peptide in Equidae before and after Intestinal Ischemia

Serum levels of type III procollagen peptide (P-III-P) were measured by radioimmunoassay in clinically normal adult ponies (n = 15) and horses (n = 10). The mean serum levels of P-III-P from the ponies, 10.4 +/- 2.9 (SD) ng/mL, and the horses, 12.2 +/- 2.6 (SD) ng/mL, were not significantly different. Segments of jejunum were made ischemic to induce fibrous peritoneal adhesions in two ponies, and serum P-III-P levels were measured on days 4, 5, 7, 14, and 21. An exploratory celiotomy on day 21 revealed that the ischemic injury had induced fibrosis of the mesentery and bowel, but no adhesions had formed. The fibrotic mesentery contained type III collagen. The highest mean serum level of P-III-P, 23.0 +/- 3.5 (SD) ng/mL on day 7, was more than 4 SD above the mean from the normal ponies. There was a significant difference in the serum P-III-P levels in the ponies on days 0 (7.1 +/- 1.6 ng/mL) and 7 (23.0 +/- 3.5 ng/mL). Serum levels of P-III-P may be useful to study fibrosis associated with intestinal ischemia.     

Hormone Induced Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Abstract— Hip dysplasia occurred in five of seventeen genotypically normal dogs which were given estradiol for a prolonged period of time. Dysplasia occurred much more frequently in males and in dogs given higher levels of estrogen in early life. The incidence of hip dysplasia was increased in a group often genetically predisposed dogs including three males given estradiol and seven females given testosterone.
Résumé— On donna de l'oestradiol à dix-sept chiens de génotype normal pendant une longue période de temps: cinq d'entre eux présentmènt de la dysplasie de la hanvhe. Cette affection se produisit bien plus fréquemment chez les mâles et chez les chiens qui avaient reçu des quantités d'osetrogène plus importantes dans le jeune âge. La dysplasie de la hanche fut plus fréquente dans un groupe de dix chiens généiquement prédisposés, parmi lesquels trois mâles avaient reçu de l'oestradiol et sept femelles, de la testostérone.
Zusammenfassung— Hüftendysplasie trat bei fünf von siebzehn normalen Hunden auf, ide über längere Zeit Gaben von Östradiol erhielten. Viel häufiger trat die Dysplasie bei männlichen Tieren und bei denjenigen Hunden auf, die höhere Dosen Östeogen schon als Welpen erhielten. Das Auftreten der Hüftendysplasie wurde häufiger in einer Gruppe von zehn genetisch prädisponierten Hunden, darunter drei Rüden, die Östradiol, und sieben Weibchen, die Testosterone erhielten, beobachtet.     

Serum Fructosamine Concentrations in Dogs with Hypothyroidism

Serum fructosamine concentrations were measured in 11 untreated hypothyroid dogs with normal serum glucose and serum protein concentrations. The fructosamine level ranged between 276 and 441 mol/L (median 376 mol/L; reference range 207–340 mol/L). Nine of the 11 dogs had fructosamine levels above the reference range. The fructosamine levels decreased significantly during treatment with levothyroxine. It is suggested that serum fructosamine concentrations may be high in hypothyroid dogs because of decelerated protein turnover, independent of the blood glucose concentration.     

Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis

Background

Limited information is available about the role of adipokines in the development and progression of acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs.

Objectives

To determine whether the circulating concentrations of adipokines differed between healthy dogs and dogs with AP, and whether the circulating concentrations differed between AP survivors and AP nonsurvivors.

Animals

Twenty‐eight healthy dogs and 25 client‐owned dogs with AP.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of 25 client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosed AP and 28 otherwise healthy dogs with similar body condition scores. The serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured.

Results

The serum concentrations of leptin (P = .0021), resistin (P = .0010), visfatin (P < .0001), IL‐1β (P < .0001), IL‐6 (P = .0002), IL‐10 (P < .0001), and IL‐18 (P < .0001) were significantly higher in dogs with AP than healthy dogs, whereas the adiponectin concentration (P = .0011) was significantly lower. There were significant differences in the serum concentrations of leptin (P = .028) and adiponectin (P = .046) in survivors and nonsurvivors. After the disappearance of clinical signs, the concentrations of resistin (P = .037) and IL‐1β (P = .027) decreased significantly, whereas the serum concentrations of leptin (P > .999), adiponectin (P = .11), visfatin (P = .83), IL‐6 (P = .82), IL‐10 (P = .82), IL‐18 (P = .56), and TNF‐α (P = .94) did not differ significantly.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

This study showed that dysregulation of adipokines might be involved in the pathogenesis of AP. In addition, leptin and adiponectin are likely to be associated with mortality rate in AP.     

Evaluation of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan for the Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

A double-blinded, controlled clinical study was performed to compare the response of adult dogs affected with hip dysplasia to a placebo and three different dosages of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG): 2.2 mg/kg, 4.4 mg/kg, and 8.8 mg/kg. Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The drug was administered intramuscularly every 3 to 5 days for a total of eight injections. Response to treatment was analyzed based on changes in lameness, range of motion (ROM), and pain on manipulation of the hip joints. Evaluation for adverse reactions included complete blood cell (CBC) count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and physical examination. Data were collected on a total of 111 dogs. Eighty-four met all criteria for inclusion in the study. Dogs that were given 4.4 mg/kg of PSGAG showed the greatest improvement in orthopedic scores, whereas dogs in the placebo group showed the smallest improvement; however, the differences in clinical improvement between the four treatment groups were not statistically significant. No local or systemic adverse reactions related to the drug were observed.     

Serum Serotonin Concentrations in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Background: Increased serotonin (5HT) signaling has been implicated in valvular disease of humans and animals, including canine degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). High circulating 5HT concentration is a potential source of increased signaling, and serum 5HT concentrations have not been previously reported in dogs with DMVD.
Hypothesis: Dogs with DMVD and small breed dogs predisposed to DMVD have higher serum 5HT concentrations than large breed controls.
Animals: Fifty dogs affected with DMVD, 34 dogs predisposed to DMVD but without cardiac murmur or echocardiographic evidence of DMVD, and 36 healthy large breed control dogs.
Methods: Prospective analysis. Serum 5HT concentration was measured by an ELISA test.
Results: Median serum 5HT concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DMVD and in dogs predisposed to DMVD as compared with controls (DMVD, 765.5 ng/mL [interquartile range, 561.3–944.4]; predisposed, 774.9 ng/mL [528.3–1,026]; control, 509.8 ng/mL [320.8–708.8]; P = .0001). Subgroup analysis of predisposed dogs indicated significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs than in other breeds (CKCS, 855.0 ng/mL [635.8–1,088]; non-CKCS, 554.2 ng/mL [380.6–648.4]; P = .0023). Age, platelet count, and platelet morphology were not correlated with 5HT concentration in any group.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with DMVD had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations when compared with large breed control dogs. Healthy CKCS dogs had significantly higher serum 5HT concentrations than other healthy dogs predisposed to DMVD. Additional investigation into a possible role of 5HT in the pathogenesis of DMVD is warranted.     

Increased Lactate Concentrations in III and Injured Dogs

Venous blood lactate concentrations were measured on 109 ill dogs and 20 clinically normal dogs. Ill dogs were grouped into survivor and nonsurvivor groups, and categorized based on their primary problem. Ninety-five percent of ill dogs had lactate concentrations higher than clinically normal dogs and published normal values. Seventy-six percent of ill dogs with increased lactate concentrations survived to be discharged. Lactate concentrations were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors and clinically normal dogs. Lactate concentrations in dogs with major trauma and intoxications, and with cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurologic problems were significantly higher than in clinically normal dogs and dogs with other problems. (Vet Emerg & Crit Care, 1998; 8: 117–127)     

Serum Acute Phase Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Background: Serial monitoring of acute phase protein (APP) concentrations in canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has not been reported.
Hypotheses: Acute canine AIHA is accompanied by an acute phase response (APR) characterized by increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) concentrations and decreased albumin concentrations.
Animals: Twenty-seven dogs with AIHA and 11 control dogs.
Methods: Prospective, cohort study. CRP, AAG, and albumin concentrations, white blood cell (WBC) count, and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined at admission (day 1), every 48 hours until death or discharge, and on days 30, 90, 180, and 365.
Results: Compared with controls, CRP and AAG concentrations were increased and albumin concentration was decreased in dogs with AIHA (days 1–7; P < .002) and normalized with disease stabilization (days 9–365; P > .05). APP concentrations on day 1 were not predictive of survival, duration of hospitalization, or number of blood transfusions ( P = .153–.940). PCV correlated with APP concentrations over time (CRP r =−.600, AAG r =−.665, albumin r = .533; P < .0001) as did WBC count (CRP r = .253, AAG r = .486, albumin r =−.246; P < .006). Day 1 CRP concentration was lower for dogs that received corticosteroids before referral (115.3 μg/mL) compared with dogs that did not (191.2 μg/mL; P = .02).
Conclusions: An APR occurs in canine AIHA. Initial APP concentrations are not predictive of acute survival, correlate with hematologic markers of remission, and normalize rapidly with disease stabilization.     

Altered Serum Thyrotropin Concentrations in Dogs with Primary Hypoadrenocorticism before and during Treatment

Background

Thyrotropin (TSH) can be increased in humans with primary hypoadrenocorticism (HA) before glucocorticoid treatment. Increase in TSH is a typical finding of primary hypothyroidism and both diseases can occur concurrently (Schmidt's syndrome); therefore, care must be taken in assessing thyroid function in untreated human patients with HA.

Objective

Evaluate whether alterations in cTSH can be observed in dogs with HA in absence of primary hypothyroidism.

Animals

Thirty dogs with newly diagnosed HA, and 30 dogs in which HA was suspected but excluded based on a normal ACTH stimulation test (controls) were prospectively enrolled.

Methods

cTSH and T4 concentrations were determined in all dogs and at selected time points during treatment (prednisolone, fludrocortisone, or DOCP) in dogs with HA.

Results

cTSH concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 2.6 ng/mL (median 0.29) and were increased in 11/30 dogs with HA; values in controls were all within the reference interval (range: 0.01–0.2 ng/dL; median 0.06). There was no difference in T4 between dogs with increased cTSH (T4 range 1.0‐2.1; median 1.3 μg/dL) compared to those with normal cTSH (T4 range 0.5‐3.4, median 1.4 μg/dL; P=0.69) and controls (T4 range 0.3‐3.8, median 1.8 μg/dL; P=0.35). After starting treatment, cTSH normalized after 2–4 weeks in 9 dogs and after 3 and 4 months in 2 without thyroxine supplementation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Evaluation of thyroid function in untreated dogs with HA can lead to misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism; treatment with glucocorticoids for up to 4 months can be necessary to normalize cTSH.     

Serum Cortisol Concentrations in Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism and Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism

Background

Atypical hyperadrenocorticism (AHAC) is considered when dogs have clinical signs of hypercortisolemia with normal hyperadrenocorticism screening tests.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare cortisol concentrations and adrenal gland size among dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), atypical hyperadrenocorticism (AHAC), and healthy controls.

Animals

Ten healthy dogs, 7 dogs with PDH, and 8 dogs with AHAC.

Method

Dogs were prospectively enrolled between November 2011 and January 2013. Dogs were diagnosed with PDH or AHAC based on clinical signs and positive screening test results (PDH) or abnormal extended adrenal hormone panel results (AHAC). Transverse adrenal gland measurements were obtained by abdominal ultrasound. Hourly mean cortisol (9 samplings), sum of hourly cortisol measurements and adrenal gland sizes were compared among the 3 groups.

Results

Hourly (control, 1.4 ± 0.6 μg/dL; AHAC, 2.9 ± 1.3; PDH, 4.3 ± 1.5) (mean, SD) and sum (control, 11.3 ± 3.3; AHAC, 23.2 ± 7.7; PDH, 34.7 ± 9.9) cortisol concentrations differed significantly between the controls and AHAC (P < .01) and PDH (P < .01) groups. Hourly (P < .01) but not sum (P = .27) cortisol concentrations differed between AHAC and PDH dogs. Average transverse adrenal gland diameter of control dogs (5.3 ± 1.2 mm) was significantly less than dogs with PDH (6.4 ± 1.4; P = .02) and AHAC (7.2 ± 1.5; P < .01); adrenal gland diameter did not differ (P = .18) between dogs with AHAC and PDH.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum cortisol concentrations in dogs with AHAC were increased compared to controls but less than dogs with PDH, while adrenal gland diameter was similar between dogs with AHAC and PDH. These findings suggest cortisol excess could contribute to the pathophysiology of AHAC.     

Salivary Cortisol Concentrations in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Hypercortisolism

Background: Measurement of salivary cortisol is a useful diagnostic test for hypercortisolism (HC) in humans. Objectives: To determine whether measurement of salivary cortisol concentration is a practical alternative to plasma cortisol to diagnose HC, to validate the use of salivary cortisol, and to examine the effect of time of day and sampling location on salivary cortisol. Animals: Thirty healthy dogs and 6 dogs with HC. Methods: Prospective, observational clinical trial including healthy volunteer dogs and dogs newly diagnosed with HC. Salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations were measured with an immunoassay analyzer. Intra‐ and interassay variability, linearity, and correlation between salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations were determined. Results: The required 300 μL of saliva could not be obtained in 88/326 samples from healthy dogs and in 15/30 samples from dogs with HC. The intra‐assay variability for measurement of salivary cortisol was 5–17.7%, the interassay variability 8.5 and 17.3%, and the observed to expected ratio 89–125%. The correlation (r) between salivary and plasma cortisol was 0.98. The time of day and location of collection did not affect salivary cortisol concentrations. Dogs with HC had significantly higher salivary cortisol values than healthy dogs (10.2 ± 7.3 nmol/L versus 1.54 ± 0.97 nmol/L; P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The ROCHE Elecsys immunoassay analyzer correctly measured salivary cortisol in dogs. However, a broad clinical application of the method seems limited, because of the large sample volume required.     

Changes in Serum Macro-mineral Concentrations in Growing Yak Throughout a Year

Concentrations of serum calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine and potassium of growing yak born from a nuclear breeding herd in 1995,1996 and 1997(classified as groups G3, G2 and G1) were determined bimonthly from September 1997 to July 1998. The result showed that the concentrations of serum macro-minerals demonstrated a month/season pattern and both calcium and phosphorus reached the highest in September(11.36mg/dl and 6.82 mg/dl, respectively). The animals in G1 had a very high serum phosphorus concentration due to their young age and incomplete weaning in the early times of sampling. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus was generally higher than that recommended for cattle and demonstrated a great variation in month/season. The results indicated that the deficiencies of phosphorus, sodium and probably calcium were common in the pasture on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.     

Serum Concentrations of Gastrin after Famotidine and Omeprazole Administration to Dogs

Background

The duration of antacid‐induced hypergastrinemia after cessation of administration of omeprazole and famotidine apparently has not been determined in dogs.

Hypothesis

That serum gastrin will return to basal concentrations by 7 days after cessation of famotidine or omeprazole administration.

Animals

Nine healthy, adult, male, research colony dogs.

Methods

Randomized, cross‐over design. Serum gastrin was determined daily for 7 days to establish baseline concentrations. Famotidine (1.0 mg/kg q24h) or omeprazole (1.0 mg/kg q24h) was administered PO for 7 days followed by a 14‐day washout. Serum concentrations of gastrin were determined daily during 7 days of administration and daily for 7 days after cessation of administration. Each drug was evaluated in 8 of the 9 dogs.

Results

Omeprazole caused a significant increase in serum gastrin concentration (37.2 ± 7.3 to 71.3 ± 19.0 ng/L; P = .006). Famotidine induced a transient increase in serum gastrin (37.2 ± 7.3 to 65.5 ± 38.5 ng/L; P = .02) that peaked at administration day 3 and declined thereafter. By day 7 after cessation of both drugs, there was no difference in serum gastrin concentrations compared to those before administration (famotidine P = .99; omeprazole P = .99). During or after administration, gastrin concentrations above 3 times the upper reference range were rare (12 of 224 samples).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A 7‐day withdrawal from short‐term administration of famotidine or omeprazole is sufficient for serum gastrin to return to baseline concentrations. Withholding famotidine or omeprazole for longer before investigating pathologic causes of hypergastrinemia is unnecessary.     

Serum Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity Concentrations in Dogs Treated with Potassium Bromide and/or Phenobarbital

Potassium bromide, phenobarbital, or a combination of both is commonly used in the treatment of canine epilepsy. Several cases of clinical pancreatitis have been reported in dogs after treatment with potassium bromide, but the risk of elevated serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations in dogs treated with potassium bromide and/or phenobarbital has not previously been evaluated in a large group of dogs. This study suggests an increased risk for elevated serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations and possibly pancreatitis in dogs treated with potassium bromide or phenobarbital alone or in combination.     

Evaluation of Aldosterone Concentrations in Dogs with Hypoadrenocorticism

Background

Some dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (HA) have normal sodium and potassium concentrations, a phenomenon called atypical Addison''s disease. The assumption that the zona glomerulosa and aldosterone secretion in these dogs are normal seems widely accepted; however, aldosterone measurements are missing in most published cases.

Objectives

To measure aldosterone in dogs with HA with and without electrolyte abnormalities and to determine the time point of aldosterone peak concentrations during ACTH stimulation.

Animals

Seventy dogs with HA, 22 dogs with diseases mimicking HA, and 19 healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective study. Blood samples were taken before and 60 minutes after injection of 250 μg ACTH in all dogs. Additional blood samples were taken 15, 30, and 45 minutes after ACTH in 7 dogs with HA and in 22 with diseases mimicking HA.

Results

Baseline and ACTH‐stimulated aldosterone was significantly lower in dogs with HA than in the other groups. Aldosterone was low or undetectable in 67/70 dogs with HA independently of sodium and potassium levels. In 3 dogs, sodium/potassium concentrations were normal; in 1 dog, sodium was normal and potassium decreased. In all 4, ACTH‐stimulated aldosterone concentrations were below the detection limit of the assay. Aldosterone concentrations were not different at 30, 45, or 60 minutes after ACTH administration.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Cortisol and aldosterone secretion is compromised in dogs with HA with and without electrolyte abnormalities. The term atypical Addison''s disease, used for dogs with primary HA and normal electrolytes, must be reconsidered; other mechanisms allowing normal electrolyte balance without aldosterone should be evaluated in these dogs.