The effects of prednisone on haemostasis in leishmaniotic dogs treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol

Thirty dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum were studied in order to determine the effects of treatment on haemostatic function. The animals were divided randomly into two treatment groups: Group 1 received meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol; Group 2 dogs were given the same treatment plus prednisone. Ten healthy animals were used as untreated controls. Clinical examination and determination of platelet aggregation, coagulation factors and biochemical parameters were undertaken before treatment and after 15, 30 and 60 days. A significant improvement in platelet aggregation was detected after 60 days in Group 1, but only after 15 days in Group 2. In both treated groups, platelet aggregation was lower than in the control group at the end of the study. The results suggest that prednisone may be a useful tool in the treatment of haemostatic disorders during canine leishmaniosis. The potential benefits and risks due to the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of leishmaniosis are discussed.     

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%).     

Changes in serum C-reactive protein levels in dogs with various disorders and surgical traumas

The serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) produced as an inflammatory response in dogs with various disorders and surgical traumas were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and slide reversed passive latex agglutination test (RPLA). The CRP levels were greatly increased 1–2 days after surgery in most of the dogs (n=29) subjected to surgery. These levels had markedly decreased by the time the sutures were removed. In dogs with various disorders (n=58), the serum CRP levels at first diagnosis were high in infectious diseases. In dogs from which paired serum samples were examined, the serum CRP usually showed a decrease with improvement in the condition (n=11) or a terminal increase (n=4) but, conversely, some showed an increase with improvement in the condition (n=3).Abbreviations CRP C-reactive protein - ELISA enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay - Latex soap free latex - RPLA reversed passive latex agglutination     

Evaluation of renal and hepatic functions in dogs naturally infected by visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate

The present study aimed to evaluate the renal and hepatic responses in eight dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate and to verify the occurrence of possible side effects. Urinalysis, hepatic and renal function tests were carried out in all animals at up to seven moments. After the end of a six-month observation period, all dogs were euthanized. Before the beginning of the experiment urinary and biochemical alterations were observed in four dogs due to the changes caused by the parasite itself. These alterations included the presence of renal cells, cylindruria, proteinuria, azotemia, hyperproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. One dog died on the third day after treatment because an aggravation of the clinical picture, probably due to the medication. During the course of the study, an increase in hepatic enzymes was verified in two animals. Sixty days after the beginning of the treatment four dogs showed remission of clinical signs. The other three were asymptomatic with persistent biochemical alterations. From these, two presented recurrence of clinical signs about 150 days after the beginning of the treatment while in the other, hyperproteinemia persisted. Meglumine antimoniate was not efficient to treat dogs with severe renal dysfunction and the side effects observed were pain at the site of injection and the probable transient hepatotoxicity, evidenced by biochemical examinations, but without the presence of clinical signs.     

C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6 in dogs with pyometra and SIRS

Objective: To determine the frequency of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in canine pyometra and to evaluate the relationship between C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and SIRS. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals: Fifty‐three clinical cases of canine pyometra and 19 healthy control bitches. Interventions: Upon admission to the veterinary hospital, history and physical examination findings, including previously defined clinical SIRS parameters, were documented. Blood samples were obtained for hematology and biochemical tests and for CRP, TNFα, and IL‐6 analysis. The diagnosis of pyometra was confirmed by histopathology of the uterus after ovariohysterectomy. After surgery, clinical SIRS parameters, length of hospitalization, and mortality were recorded. Measurements and main results: Pyometra dogs were grouped as SIRS positive (30/53; 57%) or SIRS negative (23/53; 43%). Logistic regression showed that CRP was the only parameter that significantly related to SIRS apart from the clinical criteria that define this syndrome. The mortality rate was low (2/53; 3.8%), and conclusions regarding association with SIRS could not be drawn. A positive SIRS status, high plasma CRP concentration, and high body temperature were variables that related to increased morbidity reflected by the length of hospitalization. Conclusions: SIRS was seen in 57% of canine pyometra cases and a positive SIRS status showed a positive association with prolonged hospitalization. The mortality rate was low (3.3%) among SIRS positive dogs, indicating that progression to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) rarely occurs in surgically treated cases of pyometra. CRP was associated with SIRS and with prolonged hospitalization. Further studies of plasma CRP may be warranted in canine intensive care cases susceptible to development of SIRS and MODS.     

Serum C-reactive protein concentration as an indicator of remission status in dogs with multicentric lymphoma

BACKGROUND: The acute-phase protein C-reactive protein (CRP) is used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in humans with various neoplasias, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if CRP could be used to detect different remission states in dogs with lymphoma. ANIMALS: Twenty-two dogs with untreated multicentric lymphoma. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Blood samples were collected at the time of diagnosis, before each chemotherapy session, and at follow-up visits, resulting in 287 serum samples. RESULTS: Before therapy, a statistically significant majority of the dogs (P = .0019) had CRP concentrations above the reference range (68%, 15/22). After achieving complete remission 90% (18/20) of the dogs had CRP concentrations within the reference range, and the difference in values before and after treatment was statistically significant (P < .001). CRP concentrations of dogs in complete remission (median, 1.91; range, 0.2-103) were significantly different (P = .031) from those of dogs with partial remission (median, 2.48; range, 0-89), stable disease (median, 1.77; range, 1.03-42.65), or progressive disease (median, 8.7; range, 0-82.5). There was profound variation of CRP measurements within each dog. CONCLUSIONS: CRP is useful in determining complete remission status after treatment with cytotoxic drugs. However, the individual variation between dogs means CRP concentration is not sufficiently different in other remission states to permit its use in monitoring progression of the disease. Greater reliability in determining remission status might be achieved by combining CRP concentration with other serum markers.     

Utility of a multiple serum biomarker test to monitor remission status and relapse in dogs with lymphoma undergoing treatment with chemotherapy

A blinded retrospective study was conducted to investigate remission and recurrence of lymphoma in dogs receiving chemotherapy. The objective was to compare clinicians' assessment using palpation and cytology to the results of serum biochemical tests for haptoglobin (Hapt) and C‐reactive protein (C‐RP). These biochemical test results were combined using a diagnostic algorithm developed using data from 344 individual dogs. This multivariate approach, termed the canine lymphoma blood test (cLBT), was used to follow 57 dogs during and after treatment. cLBT of remission and recurrence compared well with clinicians' assessment and differentiated dogs in remission and those with recurring disease before appearance of lymphadenopathy (P < 0.001). The cLBT demonstrated prognostic potential based on pre‐treatment values on dogs with shorter survival times and on those achieving the lowest cLBT score during treatment that showed longer survival times. The test, therefore, demonstrates potential to assist in monitoring treatment of canine lymphoma.     

Adjuvant medical therapy provides no therapeutic benefit in the treatment of dogs with low‐grade mast cell tumours and early nodal metastasis undergoing surgery

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is a negative prognostic factor in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours (cMCTs). While elective lymphadenectomy of metastatic LNs improves outcome, the benefit of adjuvant medical therapy in dogs with early metastatic (HN2) LNs is debated. The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of adjuvant medical therapy following surgical removal of the primary low‐grade cMCT (Patnaik grade 1‐2 and Kiupel low‐grade) and lymphadenectomy of HN2 LNs by analysing survival rates and patterns of recurrence. Seventy‐three dogs were included: 42 received adjuvant medical treatment (chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitors), and 31 did not. The median follow‐up time for medically treated dogs was 619 days: two experienced local recurrence, three nodal relapse and four distant relapse. For dogs undergoing surgery only, the median follow‐up time was 545 days. None of them experienced local recurrence, nodal, or distant relapse. Time to progression was significantly shorter in dogs receiving adjuvant medical treatment (P = .021). A similar tendency was observed for overall survival (P = .056). The current study shows that dogs with low‐grade cMCTs, that undergo surgical excision of the primary tumour and elective lymphadenectomy of the HN2 regional LN harbour a good prognosis. The use of adjuvant medical treatment in these dogs does not seem to provide any benefit in terms of progression and survival.     

Assessment of cardiac troponin I and C-reactive protein concentrations associated with anesthetic protocols using sevoflurane or a combination of fentanyl, midazolam, and sevoflurane in dogs

ObjectiveTo report serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in dogs anesthetized for elective surgery using two anesthetic protocols.Study designProspective, randomized clinical study.AnimalsTwenty client-owned dogs presenting for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration.MethodsThe dogs were randomized into two groups. All dogs were premedicated with glycopyrrolate (0.011 mg kg^?1) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg^?1) IM approximately 30 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia in dogs in group 1 was induced with propofol (6 mg kg^?1) IV to effect and in dogs in group 2 with diazepam (0.2 mg kg^?1) IV followed by etomidate (2 mg kg^?1) IV to effect. For maintenance of anesthesia, group 1 received sevoflurane (adjustable vaporizer setting 0.5–4%) and group 2 received a combination of fentanyl (0.8 μg kg^?1 minute^?1) and midazolam (8.0 μg kg^?1 minute^?1) IV plus sevoflurane (adjustable vaporizer setting 0.5–4%) to maintain anesthesia. Serum cTnI and CRP concentrations were measured at baseline and 6, 18, and 24 hours post-anesthetic induction. Biochemical analysis was performed at baseline. Lactate was obtained at baseline and 6 hours post-anesthetic induction. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were measured intra-operatively.ResultsBaseline serum cTnI and CRP concentrations were comparable between groups. A significant difference in serum cTnI or CRP concentrations was not detected post-operatively between groups at any time point. Serum CRP concentrations were significantly increased post-anesthetic induction in both groups, which was attributed to surgical trauma.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThere was no significant difference in serum cTnI and CRP concentrations between anesthetic protocols. Further investigation in a larger number of dogs is necessary to confirm the current findings.     

Comparison of lung ultrasound,chest radiographs,C‐reactive protein,and clinical findings in dogs treated for aspiration pneumonia

BackgroundComparison of clinical findings, chest radiographs (CXR), lung ultrasound (LUS) findings, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations at admission and serial follow‐up in dogs with aspiration pneumonia (AP) is lacking.HypothesisLung ultrasound lesions in dogs with AP are similar to those described in humans with community‐acquired pneumonia (comAP); the severity of CXR and LUS lesions are similar; normalization of CRP concentration precedes resolution of imaging abnormalities and more closely reflects the clinical improvement of dogs.AnimalsSeventeen dogs with AP.MethodsProspective observational study. Clinical examination, CXR, LUS, and CRP measurements performed at admission (n = 17), 2 weeks (n = 13), and 1 month after diagnosis (n = 6). All dogs received antimicrobial therapy. Lung ultrasound and CXR canine aspiration scoring systems used to compare abnormalities.ResultsB‐lines and shred signs with or without bronchograms were identified on LUS in 14 of 17 and 16 of 17, at admission. Chest radiographs and LUS scores differed significantly using both canine AP scoring systems at each time point (18 regions per dog, P < .001). Clinical and CRP normalization occurred in all dogs during follow up. Shred signs disappeared on LUS in all but 1 of 6 dogs at 1 month follow‐up, while B‐lines and CXR abnormalities persisted in 4 of 6 and all dogs, respectively.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceLung ultrasound findings resemble those of humans with comAP and differ from CXR findings. Shred signs and high CRP concentrations better reflect clinical findings during serial evaluation of dogs.     

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.     

犬瘟热病毒自然感染犬淋巴组织中T、B细胞变化的研究

为了调查患犬瘟热病犬淋巴组织中T、B细胞变化的特点及淋巴细胞减少的发病机制,试验通过免疫组织化学的方法观察了T细胞(用CD3和CD45RO检测T细胞)、B细胞(用IgG、IgM抗血清检测B细胞)和犬瘟热病毒(抗犬瘟热病毒抗体)在病犬淋巴组织中的分布。结果表明:在淋巴组织中的淋巴细胞、淋巴小结中树突状细胞和巨噬细胞中均检出了抗病毒阳性反应细胞。在骨髓组织的前髓细胞中也发现抗病毒阳性反应细胞和嗜酸性胞浆内及核内包涵体的存在。与对照组相比,CD3和CD45RO阳性细胞主要存在于T细胞的分布域;但CD3和CD45RO阳性T细胞的数量较少。位于淋巴组织中的巨噬细胞有的被CD45RO染成阳性。在B细胞分布的区域中,IgG、IgM阳性细胞的数量明显减少;一些位于淋巴组织的浆细胞也被IgG或IgM染成阳性。在淋巴组织中淋巴细胞减少的顺序为:IgG阳性细胞减少最明显,其次为IgM和CD45RO阳性细胞,再次为CD3阳性细胞。依据试验结果,作者认为病犬淋巴组织中淋巴细胞减少主要是由B细胞缺乏所引起的;淋巴细胞的增殖能力减弱是引起淋巴组织中淋巴细胞减少的重要原因。     

Protecting effect of vitamin E supplementation on submaximal exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary dogs as assessed by erythrocyte membrane fluidity and paraoxonase-1 activity

The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effects of oral vitamin E supplementation for 10 weeks on exercise-induced oxidative damage in untrained dogs. Eight dogs were randomly assigned to a supplementation (n = 4) or control (n = 4) group and underwent two isolated submaximal exercise sessions, 10 weeks apart. Blood was collected during each session to measure erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E concentrations. These biomarkers were measured in venous blood samples collected before (t₀), just after (t, EMF only) and 1 d (t + 1 d) and 7 d (t + 7 d) after the dogs ran on a treadmill.Prior to vitamin E supplementation, exercise induced a significant decrease in PON1 activity, EMF, vitamin E concentration and a significant increase in MDA concentration at t + 1 d. After a 10 week vitamin E supplementation period, these exercise-induced changes in PON1 activity, EMF and MDA concentration were still significant in the control group, but not in the supplemented group. These results suggested that vitamin E supplementation had a protective effect on submaximal exercise-induced oxidative damage in sedentary dogs.