Concentrations of acute-phase proteins in dogs with steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis

Background: Measurement of concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs) is used as an aid in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases in animals.
Objective: To determine the concentration of APPs in dogs with steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) and other neurologic diseases.
Animals: One hundred and thirty-three dogs with neurologic diseases, 6 dogs with sepsis, and 8 healthy dogs were included in the study. Thirty-six dogs had SRMA (31 of which had monitoring), 14 dogs had other meningoencephalitides (ME), 32 had disk disease (IVDD/DLSS), 26 had tumors affecting the central nervous system (TCNS), and 25 had idiopathic epilepsy (IE).
Methods: Prospective, observational study: C-reactive protein (CRP), α₂-macroglobulin (AMG), and albumin concentrations were determined in the serum or plasma. CRP was also measured in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Results: Serum CRP was significantly higher in dogs with SRMA (     = 142 μg/mL ± 75) and sepsis (     = 114 μg/mL ± 67) in comparison with dogs with other neurologic diseases (     = 2.3–21 μg/mL; P < .001). There was no significant difference detected in AMG between groups. Serum albumin concentration was significantly lower ( P < .01) in dogs with SRMA (     = 3.2 g/dL ± 0.41) than in other groups (     = 3.6–3.9 g/dL). Serum CRP concentration of SRMA dogs correlated with alkaline phosphatase levels ( r = 0.515, P = .003).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CRP concentrations in serum are useful in diagnosis of dogs with SRMA. Serum CRP could be used as a monitoring parameter in treatment management of these dogs.     

Use of C-reactive protein to predict outcome in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis

Background – There is a high mortality rate in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Therefore, an early diagnosis and prognostic assessment is important for optimal therapeutic intervention. The objective of the study was to evaluate if baseline values and changes in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) might predict survival in dogs with SIRS and sepsis.
Design – Prospective study; July 2004 to July 2005.
Setting – Small Animal Clinic, Berlin, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich.
Animals – Sixty-one dogs.
Measurements and Main Results – For the CRP analysis blood was drawn on day 0, 1, and 2; CRP was measured using a commercial ELISA test kit. Thirteen dogs suffered from nonseptic SIRS and 48 dogs from sepsis. The 14-day survival rate was 61% (69% nonseptic SIRS, 58% sepsis). Serum CRP was higher in sick dogs compared with controls ( P <0.001). Over the 3-day period surviving dogs ( n =31) displayed a significantly greater decrease in CRP than nonsurvivors ( n =10) ( P =0.001). No correlation was found between the initial CRP concentrations and the survival rate. The changes in CRP corresponded to the survival rate ( P =0.01).
Conclusion – There was no significant relationship between the survival rate in dogs with nonseptic SIRS or sepsis and the initial serum CRP concentrations. There was a correlation between decreasing CRP concentrations and recovery from disease. However, the changes in CRP concentrations over a 3-day period correctly predicted survival in 94% of dogs and death in 30% of the dogs (false positive rate 22%).     

Cardiac Troponin I Is Associated with Severity of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease, Age, and C-Reactive Protein in Dogs

Background: Concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) might be associated with cardiac remodeling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Age- and sex-dependent variations in cTnI concentration have been described.
Objective: To investigate whether plasma concentrations of cTnI and CRP are associated with severity of MMVD, and investigate potential associations of dog characteristics on cTnI and CRP concentrations.
Animals: Eighty-one client-owned dogs with MMVD of varying severity.
Methods: Dogs were prospectively recruited for the study. Dogs were classified according to severity of MMVD. Plasma cTnI was analyzed by a high sensitivity cTnI assay with a lower limit of detection of 0.001 ng/mL, and plasma CRP was analyzed by a canine-specific CRP ELISA.
Results: Higher cTnI concentrations were detected in dogs with moderate (0.014 [interquartile range 0.008–0.029] ng/mL, P = .0011) and severe (0.043 [0.031–0.087] ng/mL, P < .0001) MMVD, compared with healthy dogs (0.001 [0.001–0.004] ng/mL). Dogs with severe MMVD also had higher cTnI concentrations than dogs with mild (0.003 [0.001–0.024] ng/mL, P < .0001) and moderate ( P = .0019) MMVD. There were significant associations of age, CRP, heart rate, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, on cTnI concentration C-reactive protein did not differ among severity groups, but was significantly associated with cTnI, breed, and systolic blood pressure on CRP concentration.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Analysis of cTnI concentration has potential to increase knowledge of overall cardiac remodeling in dogs with MMVD. However, effect of age on cTnI needs consideration when assessing cTnI.     

Preliminary studies of serum acute-phase protein concentrations in hematologic and neoplastic diseases of the dog

Serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs): haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined in healthy dogs (n = 15) and dogs with different diseases grouped as acute inflammation (I, n = 12), hematologic neoplasias (HT, including leukemia and lymphoma, n = 16), nonhematologic neoplasias (NHT, including epithelial, mesenchymal, and mixed, n = 20), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, n = 8). SAA and CRP were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, and Hp and Cp were measured using colorimetric methods, all previously validated for use in dogs. Increased concentrations of all APPs were observed in all groups of diseased dogs, but statistical significance only was observed with Hp (I, P < .001; HT, P < .05), Cp (I, P < .05; AIHA, P < .01), and CRP (I, P < .001; HT, P < .001; AIHA, CRP P < .05). High variability in individual APPs within each group of diseases was found with no significant differences between leukemia and lymphoma as well as among different types of neoplasia. The AIHA group had smaller increases in Hp, SAA, and CRP but higher concentrations of Cp. When follow-up of individual cases was possible, a decrease in APPs generally was found in cases with favorable outcome. The results of this study suggest that neoplasia and hematologic diseases such as AIHA should be considered as possible causes of mild increases in APPs in dogs. Measurement of APPs may be helpful to assess clinical evolution and monitor treatment of these processes.     

Blood Lactate Concentrations in Anesthetized Dogs with Intracranial Disease

Background: The importance of blood lactate concentrations in dogs with intracranial disease has not been established, despite frequently observed hyperlactatemia in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for advanced imaging, surgery, or both.
Hypothesis: Blood lactate concentrations are elevated in anesthetized dogs with intracranial disease, compared with dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Animals: Eighty-five hospitalized dogs undergoing advanced imaging, surgery, or both for primary neurologic disease; 30 with intracranial disease; 55 with IVDD.
Methods: Retrospective study. Age, breed, neurologic diagnosis, time from anesthesia induction to measurement of blood lactate, blood lactate concentration under anesthesia, and concurrently measured heart rate, mean arterial pressure, PCV, arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and arterial partial pressure of oxygen were included in a multivariable linear regression analysis.
Results: Dogs with meningioma (adjusted mean lactate 2.99 mmol/L, 95% CL 2.21–4.05, P < 0.0001) and hydrocephalus (adjusted mean lactate 1.5 mmol/L, 95% CL 0.99–2.27, P = 0.003) had higher blood lactate concentrations compared with dogs with IVDD (adjusted mean lactate 0.79 mmol/L, 95% CL 0.6–1.04). Only dogs with meningioma had clinically important hyperlactatemia (>2.5 mmol/L).
Conclusions: Prospective studies are warranted to determine the degree and clinical importance of high blood lactate concentrations in dogs with intracranial disease.     

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.     

Use of oseltamivir in the treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis

Objective – To determine if oseltamivir with standard therapy for canine parvoviral enteritis ameliorates disease morbidity, mortality, or both; to document significant adverse effects associated with its use.
Design – Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Setting – University veterinary teaching hospital.
Animals – Thirty-five dogs.
Interventions – Standard therapy was administered to all dogs. Treatment dogs also received oseltamivir, while control dogs received an equivalent volume of placebo.
Measurements and Main Results – Dogs were monitored daily according to a clinical scoring system, physical parameters, and diagnostic evaluations. Dogs in the treatment group gained a significant percentage of weight during hospitalization (mean, +2.6%; SD, 7.1%) versus the control dogs (mean, −4.5%; SD, 6.9%) ( P =0.006). Treatment dogs did not have any significant changes in their white blood cell (WBC) count, while control dogs experienced a significant drop in their WBC counts during their initial stay. In addition, it did not appear that oseltamivir use was associated with any major adverse clinical effects.
Conclusions – While a clear advantage to the use of oseltamivir was not established, a significant weight loss during hospitalization, as well as a significant decrease in WBC count were documented in the control group. No major adverse effects were identified that could be associated with oseltamivir administration. Based on these results, the true role of oseltamivir in the treatment of parvoviral enteritis remains speculative, although it is believed that further investigation is warranted.     

Evaluation of a commercially available human C-reactive protein (CRP) turbidometric immunoassay for determination of canine serum CRP concentration

Background: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase marker in dogs that is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory disease. Rapid, reliable, and automated assays are preferable for routine evaluation of canine serum CRP concentration.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether canine serum CRP concentration could be measured reliably using an automated turbidometric immunoassay (TIA) designed for use with human serum.
Methods: A commercially available TIA for human serum CRP (Bayer, Newbury, UK) was used to measure canine serum CRP concentration. Cross-reactivity of antigen was evaluated by the Ouchterlony procedure. Intra-and interassay imprecision was investigated by multiple measurements on canine serum samples and serum pools, respectively. Assay inaccuracy was investigated by linearity under dilution and comparison of methodologies (canine CRP ELISA, Tridelta Development Ltd, Kildare, UK). Then the assay was applied to serum samples from 14 clinically healthy dogs, 11 dogs with neoplasia, 13 with infections, 8 with endocrine or metabolic diseases, and 10 with miscellaneous diseases.
Results: Cross-reactivity between canine serum CRP and the anti-human CRP antibody was found. Intra-and interassay imprecision ranged from 5.2% to 10.8% and 3.0% to 10.2%, respectively. Serum CRP concentration was measured in a linear and proportional manner. There was no significant disagreement and there was linear correlation of the results in the comparison of methodologies, except for a slight proportional discrepancy at low CRP concentrations (<10 μg/mL). Dogs with infections had a significantly higher concentration of serum CRP than did all other dogs, and dogs with neoplasia had a significantly higher concentration of serum CRP than did clinically healthy dogs.
Conclusions: Canine serum CRP concentration can be measured reliably using the commercially available TIA designed for human CRP.     

Elevated canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentration in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a negative outcome

O bjectives : To investigate whether elevated canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (CPLI) concentrations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a worse clinical outcome.
M ethods : Serum CPLI assays were performed on serum stored from cases diagnosed with IBD. Thirty-two dogs with CPLI results within the reference range were designated as the control group and 15 dogs had CPLI above the reference range. Clinical signs, age, serum lipase and amylase activities, serum albumin and cobalamin concentrations, abdominal ultrasound examination, histopathology on small intestinal biopsies, management of IBD and outcome were compared between the two groups.
R esults : No significant differences were found in clinical activity score (P=0·54), number of antibiotic-responsive disease cases (P=0·480), number of steroid-responsive disease cases (P=0·491), serum amylase activity (P=0·058), serum cobalamin concentration (P=0·61), serum albumin concentration (P=0·052), abdominal ultrasound score (P=0·23) and histopathology scores for IBD (P=0·74) between the two groups. Dogs with increased CPLI concentration were significantly older and had a higher serum lipase activity than dogs with a CPLI concentration within the normal reference range (P=0·001, P=0·001, respectively). Moreover, dogs with increased CPLI concentration responded poorly to steroid treatment (P=0·01) and were significantly more likely to be euthanased at follow-up (P=0·02).
C linical S ignificance : CPLI should be measured in cases of canine IBD as elevated CPLI was associated with a worse outcome.     

Evaluation of a Collagenase Generated Osteoarthritis Biomarker in the Synovial Fluid from Elbow Joints of Dogs with Medial Coronoid Disease and Unaffected Dogs

Objective— To evaluate whether synovial fluid concentrations of an osteoarthritis biomarker in dysplastic canine elbows with medial coronoid disease (MCD) are elevated compared with unaffected elbows and to determine if these concentrations correlate to the degree of articular cartilage damage.
Study Design— Cross sectional clinical study.
Animals— Dogs (n=19; 35 elbows) with MCD and dogs (8; 16 elbows) with unaffected elbows.
Methods— Concentrations of a collagenase-generated cleavage neoepitope of type II collagen (Col2-3/4C_{long mono}, or C2C) in joint fluid from elbows were analyzed and compared between dogs with MCD and unaffected dogs. Correlation of C2C concentration with subjective grading of articular cartilage surface damage was also evaluated.
Results— Mean (±SD) C2C concentration from MCD dogs was significantly higher (112.3±24.8 ng/mL) than in unaffected dogs (76.1±16.9 ng/mL; P <.05). There was a moderate correlation between cartilage damage grade and increasing C2C concentrations ( P <.05, r=0.62)
Conclusion— C2C concentrations are elevated in the synovial fluid of dogs with MCD compared with unaffected elbows, and a moderate, significant correlation was identified between these concentrations and subjective grading of articular cartilage damage.
Clinical Relevance— This preliminary data suggest that C2C concentrations in synovial fluid may have potential as a biomarker for diagnosis of articular cartilage damage associated with MCD and as a means of objectively determining the degree of articular cartilage damage.     

Glutathione, Cysteine, and Ascorbate Concentrations in Clinically Ill Dogs and Cats

Background: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many systemic diseases. Hospitalized human patients are glutathione, cysteine, and ascorbate deficient, and antioxidant depletion has been correlated with poor clinical outcome. To date little is known about antioxidant concentrations in hospitalized veterinary patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ascorbate, cysteine, or glutathione depletion is present in ill dogs and cats compared with healthy controls.
Hypothesis: Clinically ill dogs and cats would be antioxidant depleted, and depletion would correlate with illness severity and clinical outcome.
Animals: Clinically ill client-owned dogs (n = 61) and cats (n = 37), healthy control dogs (n = 37) and cats (n = 33).
Methods: Prospective, observational, case control study. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione, plasma cysteine, and plasma ascorbate were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results: Clinically ill dogs had significantly lower erythrocyte glutathione concentrations (1.22 mM, range 0.55–3.61) compared with controls (1.91 mM, range 0.87–3.51; P = .0004), and glutathione depletion correlated with both illness severity ( P = .038) and mortality ( P = .010). Cats had higher ascorbate concentrations when ill (10.65 μM, range 1.13–25.26) compared with controls (3.68 μM, range 0.36–13.57; P = .0009).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinically ill dogs had decreased erythrocyte glutathione concentrations, which could be a marker of illness severity and prognostic of a poor outcome. Clinically ill cats had an unexpectedly high plasma ascorbate, which could represent a unique species response to oxidative stress.     

A scoring index for disease activity in canine inflammatory bowel disease

The clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is characterized by spontaneous exacerbations and remissions, which makes assessment of disease burden difficult. The objectives of this study were to develop a scoring system for evaluation of canine IBD activity and to validate this scoring method by correlating it to objective laboratory and histologic indices of intestinal inflammation. Fifty-eight dogs with IBD were evaluated prospectively and compared to 9 disease-free control dogs. Clinical disease activity was quantified by a simple scoring system, the canine IBD activity index (CIBDAI), and compared to serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (HAP), alpha-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as histology scores derived from endoscopic biopsy specimens. Forty-six dogs were available for a reevaluation of the CIBDAI, CRP HAP, and AGP, and 34 dogs had repeat analysis of SAA performed after medical therapy. Serum concentrations of CRP were significantly (P < .02) increased in dogs with CIBDAI scores > or = 5 (mild disease activity or greater) compared to controls. Among IBD dogs, the CIBDAI showed good correlation (r = 0.82, P < .0001) to both histology and HAP scores, but CRP also was a strong co-correlate of disease activity. The IBD dogs showed significantly (P < .0001) decreased CIBDAI and CRP values but significantly (P < .0001) increased HAP concentrations after medical therapy compared to pretreatment values. We conclude that the CIBDAI is a reliable measure of inflammatory activity in canine IBD and that CRP is suitable for laboratory evaluation of the effect of therapy in these patients.     

Antioxidant Status and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Dogs with Lymphoma

Background: Oxidative stress might play a role in carcinogenesis, as well as impacting morbidity and mortality of veterinary cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant concentrations and biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma before treatment and once in remission, with comparison with healthy controls.
Hypothesis: Dogs with lymphoma have increased oxidant and reduced antioxidant concentrations compared with healthy controls, and that these abnormalities normalize once remission is achieved.
Animals: Seventeen dogs with lymphoma and 10 healthy controls.
Methods: Prospective, observational study. Measures of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde and total isoprostanes (isoP)] and antioxidants [α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)] were assessed in dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma before treatment compared with healthy control dogs. The same parameters were measured in the dogs with lymphoma on week 7 of the chemotherapy protocol when all dogs were in remission.
Results: At baseline, dogs with lymphoma had significantly lower α-tocopherol ( P <.001) and γ-tocopherol ( P = .003) but higher GSHPx ( P = .05), ORAC ( P = .001), and isoP ( P < .001) compared with healthy controls. In the dogs with lymphoma, α-tocopherol concentrations were higher ( P = .005) and ascorbic acid were lower ( P = .04) after treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results suggest that dogs with lymphoma have alterations in oxidant and antioxidant concentrations and that the status of some of these biomarkers normalize after remission. Further studies are warranted to determine whether antioxidant interventions to correct these are beneficial in the treatment of canine lymphoma.     

A comparison of the concentrations of C-reactive protein and alpha1-acid glycoprotein in the serum of young and adult dogs with acute inflammation

The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) were evaluated in 1-, 3- and 18-month-old dogs (four of each age) that had been inoculated with turpentine oil. The CRP and AAG in 3-month-old and younger dogs subjected to surgery or inoculated with either Staphylococcus aureus or a viral vaccine were also evaluated. The average CRP concentration in the sera peaked 2 days after inoculation of turpentine oil. The peak CRP concentrations in 3- and 18-month-old dogs were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in 1-month-old dogs. The average AAG concentration in the sera peaked 4 days after inoculation of turpentine oil. No significant difference was found in AAG concentrations between any of the age groups. When experimentally inoculated with S. aureus or subjected to oophorohysterectomy, the CRP and AAG concentrations increased in 3-month-old dogs, but they increased little in 1-month-old dogs. The CRP and AAG in dogs inoculated with the viral vaccine did not increase. In dogs with fractures or subjected to percutaneous gastrostomy, the CRP and AAG concentrations correlated with the condition of dogs.     

Efficacy of Combination Chemotherapy for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Lymphoma in Dogs

Background: Chemotherapy for multicentric canine lymphoma has favorable results. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common extranodal site of canine lymphoma, but there have been no prospective studies to determine outcome when dogs with GI lymphoma are treated with chemotherapy.
Hypothesis: Treatment with a multiagent chemotherapy protocol is associated with a poor outcome in dogs with GI lymphoma.
Animals: Eighteen dogs with histologically confirmed GI lymphoma.
Methods: Prospective clinical trial in which dogs with GI lymphoma were treated with a 20-week combination chemotherapy protocol consisting of induction and consolidation phases.
Results: Thirteen dogs had primary GI lymphoma and 5 had multicentric lymphoma with GI involvement. The majority of the lymphomas (63%) were of T-cell origin. Overall remission rate was 56%; 9 dogs achieved a complete remission for a median of 86 days (range, 22–420 days) and 1 dog achieved a partial remission for 26 days. Overall median survival time was 77 days (range, 6–700 days). Dogs that failed to achieve a remission (10 versus 117 days; P = .002) or had diarrhea at initial presentation (70 versus 700 days; P < .001) had shorter survival times.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The response and survival of dogs with GI lymphoma treated with multiagent chemotherapy is poor but long-term survival is possible.     

Serum cardiac troponin I concentration in dogs with ehrlichiosis

Background: Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs.
Hypothesis: Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis .
Animals: One-hundred and ninety-four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls.
Methods: Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi , and spotted-fever group Rickettsia . Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector-borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls.
Results: E. canis -infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04–9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04–0.10 ng/dL; P = .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12–6.40, P = .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage ( r = 0.84, P < .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31–4.95, P = .005).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage.     

A Comparison of the Concentrations of C-reactive Protein and α1-Acid Glycoprotein in the Serum of Young and Adult Dogs with Acute Inflammation

The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and ₁-acid glycoprotein (AAG) were evaluated in 1-, 3- and 18-month-old dogs (four of each age) that had been inoculated with turpentine oil. The CRP and AAG in 3-month-old and younger dogs subjected to surgery or inoculated with either Staphylococcus aureus or a viral vaccine were also evaluated. The average CRP concentration in the sera peaked 2 days after inoculation of turpentine oil. The peak CRP concentrations in 3- and 18-month-old dogs were significantly (p<0.05) greater than those in 1-month-old dogs. The average AAG concentration in the sera peaked 4 days after inoculation of turpentine oil. No significant difference was found in AAG concentrations between any of the age groups. When experimentally inoculated with S. aureus or subjected to oophorohysterectomy, the CRP and AAG concentrations increased in 3-month-old dogs, but they increased little in 1-month-old dogs. The CRP and AAG in dogs inoculated with the viral vaccine did not increase. In dogs with fractures or subjected to percutaneous gastrostomy, the CRP and AAG concentrations correlated with the condition of dogs.     

Detection of canine microalbuminuria using semiquantitative test strips designed for use with human urine

Background — Commercial testing for microalbuminuria in human urine is often performed with point-of-care semiquantitative test strips followed by quantitative testing when indicated. An ELISA that quantifies canine urine albumin concentration has been developed, but semiquantitative test strips for use in the dog are not available.
Objective — The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the concordance of canine urine albumin concentrations measured by a commercial human test strip and by ELISA.
Methods — Urine samples were obtained from 67 dogs evaluated for a variety of clinical conditions. Dipstick urinalyses were performed on all samples; clinician discretion determined method of urine collection and performance of urine sediment examination and/or urine culture. Urine albumin concentration was determined using test strips (Clinitek Microalbumin, Bayer Corporation, Elkhart, Ind, USA), and results were compared with those obtained by ELISA.
Results — The Clinitek strips correctly determined albumin concentration in 42 of 67 (63%) urine samples tested. Concordance was lowest (48%) for dogs with microalbuminuria (10–300 μg/mL by ELISA). Clinitek strip sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria were 48% and 75%, respectively. Concordance was lower in dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria and in samples collected by catheterization. Sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria after exclusion of dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria were 59% and 83%, respectively.
Conclusion — These results suggest that the Clinitek strips lack sufficient concordance with results obtained by ELISA to be reliable screening tests for microalbuminuria in the dog. A reliable semiquantitative point-of-care test for canine urine albumin concentrations below those detected by standard urine dipsticks is still needed.     

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.     

20.

Evaluation of a Portable Meter to Measure Ketonemia and Comparison with Ketonuria for the Diagnosis of Canine Diabetic Ketoacidosis     

M. Di Tommaso  G. Aste  F. Rocconi  C. Guglielmini  A. Boari 《Journal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine》2009,23(3):466-471

Background: The diagnosis of canine diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) usually is based on measurement of urinary acetoacetate (ketonuria). In humans, this test is less sensitive and specific than blood 3-β-hydroxybutyrate (ketonemia) evaluation.
Hypothesis: Ketonemia measurement using a portable meter is more accurate than ketonuria determination with a dipstick to diagnose canine DKA.
Animals: Seventy-two client-owned diabetic dogs with ketonemia, ketonuria, or both.
Methods: Prospective observational study. Based on blood bicarbonate concentration and anion gap, dogs were divided into 2 groups: patients with DKA ( n = 25); patients with diabetic ketosis ( n = 47). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR) at different cut-off points were determined for both ketonemia and ketonuria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of each diagnostic test to diagnose DKA.
Results: With regard to ketonemia, cut-off values of 2.3 and 4.3 mmol/L revealed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively, whereas cut-off values of 2.8 and 3.5 mmol/L showed a −LR of 0.05 and a + LR of 13.16, respectively. With regard to ketonuria, a cut-off value of 1+ revealed 92% sensitivity, 40% specificity, and −LR of 0.20, whereas a cut-off value of 3+ revealed 44% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and +LR of 6.89. The areas under the ROC curves for the ketonemia and ketonuria tests were significantly different (0.97 and 0.81, respectively, P = .003).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Measurement of ketonemia is accurate and more effective than measurement of ketonuria to diagnose canine DKA.     

Evaluation of a Portable Meter to Measure Ketonemia and Comparison with Ketonuria for the Diagnosis of Canine Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Background: The diagnosis of canine diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) usually is based on measurement of urinary acetoacetate (ketonuria). In humans, this test is less sensitive and specific than blood 3-β-hydroxybutyrate (ketonemia) evaluation.
Hypothesis: Ketonemia measurement using a portable meter is more accurate than ketonuria determination with a dipstick to diagnose canine DKA.
Animals: Seventy-two client-owned diabetic dogs with ketonemia, ketonuria, or both.
Methods: Prospective observational study. Based on blood bicarbonate concentration and anion gap, dogs were divided into 2 groups: patients with DKA ( n = 25); patients with diabetic ketosis ( n = 47). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR) at different cut-off points were determined for both ketonemia and ketonuria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of each diagnostic test to diagnose DKA.
Results: With regard to ketonemia, cut-off values of 2.3 and 4.3 mmol/L revealed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively, whereas cut-off values of 2.8 and 3.5 mmol/L showed a −LR of 0.05 and a + LR of 13.16, respectively. With regard to ketonuria, a cut-off value of 1+ revealed 92% sensitivity, 40% specificity, and −LR of 0.20, whereas a cut-off value of 3+ revealed 44% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and +LR of 6.89. The areas under the ROC curves for the ketonemia and ketonuria tests were significantly different (0.97 and 0.81, respectively, P = .003).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Measurement of ketonemia is accurate and more effective than measurement of ketonuria to diagnose canine DKA.