Hypovitaminosis D in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia

Objectives : To compare serum vitamin D metabolites and plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normal albumin concentration, dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia, healthy dogs and hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illness. Methods : Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured in 36 healthy dogs, 49 hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illnesses, 21 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normoalbuminaemia and 12 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia. Plasma parathyroid hormone and ionised calcium concentrations were measured in a subset of these dogs. Results : Concentrations of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D were lower in hypoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease than in the healthy dogs (P<0·001), hospitalised ill dogs (P<0·001) and normoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (P<0·001). Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia had a higher plasma concentration of parathyroid hormone (P<0·01) and lower plasma concentration of ionised calcium (P<0·001) than hospitalised ill dogs. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease had a positive correlation between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and serum albumin (P<0·0001), serum calcium (P<0·0001) and plasma ionised calcium (P<0·0005) concentrations. Clinical Significance : Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia frequently have ionised hypocalcaemia, high parathyroid hormone and low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Further studies are indicated to establish the pathogenesis of this disease complication as well as therapeutic strategies to reverse this state.     

Serum cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T concentrations in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) are increased in dogs with gastric dilatationvolvulus (GDV) and whether concentrations correlate with severity of ECG abnormalities or outcome. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 85 dogs with GDV. PROCEDURE: Serum cTnl and cTnT concentrations were measured 12 to 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after surgery. Dogs were grouped on the basis of severity of ECG abnormalities and outcome. RESULTS: cTnl and cTnT were detected in serum from 74 (87%) and 43 (51%) dogs, respectively. Concentrations were significantly different among groups when dogs were grouped on the basis of severity of ECG abnormalities (none or mild vs moderate vs severe). Dogs that died (n = 16) had significantly higher serum cTnI (24.9 ng/ml) and cTnT (0.18 ng/ml) concentrations than did dogs that survived (2.05 and < 0.01 ng/ml, respectively). Myocardial cell injury was confirmed at necropsy in 4 dogs with high serum cardiac troponin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that concentrations of cTnI and cTnT suggestive of myocardial cell injury can commonly be found in serum from dogs with GDV and that serum cardiac troponin concentrations are associated with severity of ECG abnormalities and outcome.     

Serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T in dogs with class IV congestive heart failure due to mitral valve disease

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of circulating detectable serum levels of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and circulating detectable serum levels of cardiac troponin T (CTnT) in dogs with class IV congestive heart failure (CHF) due to mitral valve disease (MVD) at admission. An additional study aim was to determine if detectable troponin levels correlated with the magnitude of several clinical parameters. Design: Prospective clinical investigation. Setting: Small animal emergency and critical care referral hospital. Interventions: Blood was collected before emergency treatment from 15 dogs presenting in class IV CHF due to MVD. Measurements: Serum concentrations of CTnI, CTnT at presentation. Main results: Six dogs (40%) had a detectable CTnI (median 0.24, range 0.12–0.31 ng/mL), and the remainder were less than 0.1 ng/mL and deemed non‐detectable. The one dog (7%) that had a detectable CTnT (0.02 ng/mL) also had a detectable CTnI (0.23 ng/mL). There was no statistical difference in survival to discharge between dogs with non‐detectable troponin levels and those with detectable troponin levels; however, dogs with detectable troponin levels had shorter overall survival times. Dogs with a detectable level of CTnI had a median survival of 67.5 days (range 1–390 days), and dogs with a non‐detectable level of CTnI had a median survival time of 390 days (range 20–912 days) (P=0.02). Conclusion: This study suggests that CTnI can be detected at admission in the blood of 40% of dogs with class IV CHF due to MVD. Dogs with non‐detectable levels of cardiac troponins had a significantly longer overall survival time. The encouraging results of this small pilot study warrant further investigation.     

Analytical validation and clinical evaluation of a commercially available high-sensitivity immunoassay for the measurement of troponin I in humans for use in dogs

ObjectiveTo analytically validate a commercially available high-sensitivity immunoassay for measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in humans for use in dogs and to evaluate serum cTnI concentrations in healthy dogs and 3 well-defined groups of dogs with common cardiac diseases.AnimalsCanine serum samples were used for validation. 85 client-owned dogs including 24 healthy controls, 20 with myxomatous mitral valve disease, 19 with congenital heart disease, and 22 with arrhythmias.MethodsFour serum samples were used to analytically validate the ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra assay by assessing intra-assay variability, inter-assay variability, spiking recovery, and dilutional parallelism. Dogs were grouped based on examination, echocardiography, and additional testing as clinically indicated, and serum cTnI concentrations were compared.ResultsAnalysis of the serum samples used for validation revealed an intra-assay coefficient of variation between 3.6% and 5.7%, and an inter-assay coefficient of variation between 2.4% and 5.9%. Observed to expected ratios for spiking recovery were 97.9 ± 8.6% (mean, SD). Observed to expected ratios for dilutional parallelism were 73.0 ± 11.5% (mean, SD). Dogs with cardiac disease had significantly higher serum cTnI concentrations (P < 0.005) than healthy dogs.ConclusionsThe ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra's low limit of detection allows measurement of serum cTnI in the majority of dogs even with no or mild cardiac disease. Dilution of samples for measurement of values above the upper limit of detection is not reliable and therefore not recommended. Serum cTnI concentrations are significantly higher in dogs with cardiac disease compared to healthy dogs.     

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in dogs

The clinical, haematological and immunological findings in 24 dogs with Coombs' positive haemolytic anaemia are described; 33% were Old English Sheepdogs. Dogs with intravascular haemolysis had a shorter history of illnesses, more severe clinical signs including vomiting, jaundice and fever, and had a poor survival rate compared to dogs with extravascular haemolysis. The anaemia was severe and regenerative in 18 dogs, and was characterised by spherocytosis and microscopic red cell agglutination, with leukocytosis. Serum IgG levels were elevated in 20 dogs, and changes in IgM, IgA, C3 and C4 were found. Antinuclear antibody was also demonstrated in 13 dogs, of which 7 were Old English Sheepdogs. It is suggested that a distinct multisystem autoimmune syndrome exists within the local Old English Sheepdog population.     

Cardiac troponins I and T in dogs with pericardial effusion

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) are sensitive and specific markers for myocardial ischemia and necrosis. Dogs with pericardial effusion frequently have myocardial ischemia and necrosis, and these changes are more severe in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA). We investigated the utility of using serum cTnI and cTnT concentrations to identify the idiopathic pericardial effusion from that associated with HSA. Blood samples for measurement of cTnI and cTnT concentrations were collected before pericardiocentesis in 37 dogs with pericardial effusion. Eighteen dogs had a mass consistent with HSA, 6 dogs had idiopathic pericardial effusion, 1 dog had mesothelioma, and 1 dog had a heart base tumor. No final diagnosis was achieved for 11 dogs. Dogs with pericardial effusion had significantly higher serum concentrations of cTnI (P < .001) but not cTnT (P = .16) than did normal dogs. Dogs with HSA had significantly higher concentrations of cTnI (2.77 ng/dL; range: 0.09-47.18 ng/dL) than did dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (0.05 ng/dL; range: 0.03-0.09 ng/dL) (P < .001). There was no difference in the concentration of cTnT between dogs with HSA and those with idiopathic pericardial effusion (P = .08). Measurement of cTnI may be useful in helping to distinguish between idiopathic pericardial effusion and pericardial effusion caused by HSA.     

Serum concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in healthy and critically ill dogs

Background: The chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is a primary regulator of monocyte mobilization from bone marrow, and increased concentrations of MCP‐1 have been associated with sepsis and other inflammatory disorders in critically ill people. The relationship between MCP‐1 and disease in dogs has not been evaluated previously. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess serum concentrations of MCP‐1 in healthy dogs, dogs in the postoperative period, and critically ill dogs. We hypothesized that MCP‐1 concentrations would be significantly increased in critically ill dogs compared with postoperative or healthy dogs. Methods: Serum concentrations of MCP‐1 were measured in 26 healthy control dogs, 35 postoperative dogs, and 26 critically ill dogs. Critically ill dogs were further subgrouped into dogs with sepsis, parvovirus gastroenteritis, immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, and severe trauma (n=26). MCP‐1 concentrations were determined using a commercial canine MCP‐1 ELISA. Associations between MCP‐1 concentrations and disease status were evaluated statistically. Results: MCP‐1 concentration was significantly higher in critically ill dogs (median 578 pg/mL, range 144.7–1723 pg/mL) compared with healthy dogs (median 144 pg/mL, range 4.2–266.8 pg/mL) and postoperative dogs (median 160 pg/mL, range 12.6–560.4 pg/mL) (P<.001). All subgroups of critically ill dogs had increased MCP‐1 concentrations with the highest concentrations occurring in dogs with sepsis. However, differences among the 4 subgroups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Critically ill dogs had markedly increased serum concentrations of MCP‐1 compared with postoperative and healthy dogs. These results indicate that surgery alone is not sufficient to increase MCP‐1 concentrations; thus, measurement of MCP‐1 may be useful in assessing disease severity in critically ill dogs.     

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: cardiopulmonary biomarker levels

Cardiopulmonary biomarkers are biological parameters that can be objectively measured and quantified as indicators of pathogenic processes (heartworm disease) or as indicators of response to therapeutic intervention. To determine levels of cardiopulmonary biomarkers in canine dirofilariasis, measurements of cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, myoglobin, and D-dimer concentrations were performed for dogs with and without evidence of adult heartworm infection. The results showed that levels of cardiac troponin T were undetectable in all dogs studied while levels of cardiac troponin I were higher in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis. In healthy dogs, levels of myoglobin and D-dimer were below detection limits of the instrument and were significantly higher in heartworm-infected dogs, notably in microfilaremic dogs. The results suggest the possibility of using troponin I and myoglobin as markers for cardiac damage and the D-dimer as a supportive tool for a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs with cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis.     

Evaluation of platelet activation in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

Objectives : To establish whether heightened platelet activation is a common feature of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, and to evaluate the hypothesis that platelet activation plays a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism. Methods : Using whole-blood flow-cytometric analysis, the proportion of activated platelets and platelet-leucocyte aggregates in blood samples from 14 dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and 14 healthy dogs was calculated. General linear models with binomial errors were used to compare groups. Results from the immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia-affected dogs were then correlated with established risk factors for thromboembolism in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, D-dimer concentration and antithrombin activity. Results : There was a strong correlation between platelet activation and severe thrombocytopenia, with heightened platelet activation being observed predominantly in severely thrombocytopenic dogs. Clinical Significance : Dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, particularly those with concurrent severe thrombocytopenia, are likely to have heightened platelet activation, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism.     

The Influence of High‐Intensity Moderate Duration Exercise on Cardiac Troponin I and C‐Reactive Protein in Sled Dogs

Background: C‐reactive protein (CRP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are biomarkers of systemic inflammation and cardiac damage, respectively. Objective: To investigate the effects of short‐duration high‐intensity exercise on plasma cTnI and serum CRP concentrations in sprint racing sled dogs. Animals: Twenty‐two Alaskan sled dogs of 2 different teams participating in a 2‐day racing event. Methods: In this prospective field study, cephalic venipuncture was performed on all dogs before racing and immediately after racing on 2 consecutive days. Plasma cTnI and serum CRP concentrations were evaluated at each time point. Results: There was a mild, significant rise (P < .01) in median cTnI concentrations from resting (0.02 ng/mL; 0.0–0.12 ng/mL) on both days after racing (day 1 = 0.06, 0.02–0.2 ng/mL; day 2 = 0.07, 0.02–0.21 ng/mL). Serum CRP concentrations showed a mild significant increase (P < .01) on day 2 after racing mean (9.2 ± 4.6 μg/mL) as compared with resting (6.5 + 4.3 μg/mL) and day 1 after racing (5.0 + 2.9 μg/mL). Neither cTnI or CRP concentrations exceeded the upper reference range for healthy dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Strenuous exercise of short duration did not result in cTnI concentrations above the reference range for healthy dogs. Although increased after 2 days of short‐duration strenuous exercise, CRP did not reach concentrations suggestive of inflammation, as reported previously in the endurance sled dogs. Therefore, we surmise that moderate exercise does not present a confounding variable in the interpretation of cTnI and CRP concentrations in normal dogs.     

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.     

Whole Blood Manganese Concentrations in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral that is a cofactor for many enzymes required in the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Because hepatic clearance is essential in Mn homeostasis, conditions in humans resulting in hepatic insufficiency including cirrhosis and both acquired and congenital portosystemic shunting have been reported to result in increased blood Mn concentrations and increased Mn content in the central nervous system. Because Mn toxicity causes neurologic disturbances, increased Mn concentrations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.
Hypotheses: Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (cPSS) have significantly higher whole blood Mn concentrations than do healthy dogs or those with nonhepatic illnesses.
Animals: Eighteen dogs with cPSS, 26 dogs with nonhepatic illnesses, and 14 healthy dogs.
Methods: Whole blood Mn was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The diagnosis of cPSS was made by ultrasonography or during celiotomy either by visual inspection of a shunting vessel or portovenography.
Results: Dogs with a cPSS had significantly higher whole blood Mn concentrations than did healthy dogs and dogs with nonhepatic illnesses. Whole blood Mn concentrations were not significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with nonhepatic illnesses.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Dogs with a cPSS have significantly increased whole blood Mn concentrations. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the role of Mn in cPSS-associated hepatic encephalopathy.     

Myocardial damage in dogs affected by heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis): Immunohistochemical study of cardiac myoglobin and troponin I in naturally infected dogs

It has recently been reported that dogs affected by canine heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) can show an increase in plasma levels of myoglobin and cardiac troponin I, two markers of muscle/myocardial injury. In order to determine if this increase is due to myocardial damage, the right ventricle of 24 naturally infected dogs was examined by routine histology and immunohistochemistry with anti-myoglobin and anti-cardiac troponin I antibodies. Microscopic lesions included necrosis and myocyte vacuolization, and were associated with loss of staining for one or both proteins. Results confirm that increased levels of myoglobin and cardiac troponin I are indicative of myocardial damage in dogs affected by heartworm disease.     

Serum acute phase protein concentrations in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism with and without concurrent inflammatory conditions

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) are promising markers of inflammation in dogs, because they are more sensitive than WBC counts in detecting clinical and subclinical inflammation. Endogenous corticosteroids can mask an acute phase response and make it more difficult to identify underlying inflammatory disease. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute phase protein response in dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) with and without concurrent inflammatory conditions. Methods: Serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, and albumin were measured in 44 healthy adult dogs and 39 dogs with HAC; the HAC group was further divided into dogs with and without concurrent infection/inflammation. A fourth group of dogs with severe sepsis and without HAC was compared with the dogs with HAC and severe sepsis. Results: Dogs with uncomplicated HAC had significantly higher Hp and fibrinogen concentrations compared with healthy control dogs (P<.001). Dogs with HAC and severe inflammatory disease also had significantly higher CRP and lower albumin concentrations than control dogs and dogs with HAC without concurrent inflammation. Dogs with sepsis but without HAC had significantly higher CRP concentrations than dogs with HAC and sepsis. Conclusions: Dogs with HAC had increases in the moderate APPs (Hp and fibrinogen), and no significant changes in CRP and albumin compared with healthy dogs. Although concurrent HAC appeared to blunt the CRP response in dogs with sepsis, increased serum CRP concentration in dogs with HAC is likely indicative of severe concurrent inflammation.     

The effect of noncardiac disease on plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs

Objective – To evaluate the effects of noncardiac disease on c‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (cBNP) concentrations in dogs. Design – Prospective observational study. Setting – Urban university veterinary hospital. Animals – Thirty‐eight apparently healthy dogs, 28 dogs with cardiac disease (14 CHF, 14 non‐CHF), and 81 dogs with primary noncardiac diseases. Interventions – none. Materials and Methods – Plasma was collected from each dog and analyzed for active (cBNP) B‐type natriuretic peptide using an assay that is being investigated for commercial use (Biosite). Measurements and Main Results – Dogs with CHF had significantly higher plasma cBNP concentrations than dogs with subclinical cardiac disease, apparently healthy dogs, or dogs with primary noncardiac disease. However, 21% (28/133) of dogs without CHF (including healthy dogs, dogs with primary noncardiac disease, and dogs with subclinical cardiac disease) had cBNP concentrations above previously identified diagnostic thresholds for CHF, reiterating the importance of reestablishing new diagnostic cutoffs when considering comorbidities affecting B‐type natriuretic peptide levels. Conclusions – A clinically relevant proportion of nondyspneic dogs with primary noncardiac diseases have increased cBNP concentrations that exceed previously identified diagnostic thresholds, potentially limiting the ability of this test to identify CHF when noncardiac comorbidities exist. Interpretation of increased cBNP concentrations in such cases must be appropriately interpreted with further diagnostic investigation.     

Quantification of plasma DNA as a prognostic indicator in canine lymphoid neoplasia

Dogs have a similar incidence of spontaneous cancers as people, and a noninvasive test to monitor disease status in dogs would be of great value. Humans with cancer often have increased levels of cell‐free circulating DNA in their plasma, which has shown promise for diagnosis, prognosis and detection of residual disease. We hypothesized that dogs with cancer have increased circulating DNA compared with healthy dogs or dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases. Plasma DNA was measured in 40 healthy dogs, 20 dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases and 80 dogs with cancer. The reference interval for plasma DNA in healthy dogs was 1–15 ng mL^?1. Dogs with lymphoma and lymphoid leukaemia had significantly higher concentrations (range: 0–91 ng mL^?1, P < 0.0001). Antigen receptor rearrangement assays suggest that plasma DNA had the same clonality as the primary lymphoid tumours. Dogs with lymphoid neoplasia and plasma DNA >25 ng mL^?1 had shorter remission times than those with < 25 ng mL^?1 (P= 0.0116). In contrast to humans, where increased plasma DNA is seen in many diseases, dogs with nonlymphoid malignancies and non‐neoplastic diseases had plasma DNA concentrations similar to healthy dogs. This study shows that a portion of dogs with lymphoid neoplasia have increased tumour‐derived plasma DNA, which serves as a negative prognostic indicator.     

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.     

Evaluation of serum NT-pCNP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis in dogs

Background: There is a need for diagnostic biomarkers that can rapidly differentiate dogs with sepsis from dogs with noninfectious forms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NSIRS). Objectives: To compare serum NT‐pCNP concentrations among dogs with various forms of sepsis, NSIRS, and healthy controls and to evaluate the use of serum NT‐pCNP for the diagnosis of various forms of sepsis in dogs. Animals: One hundred and twelve dogs including 63 critically ill dogs (sepsis n = 29; NSIRS n = 34) and 49 healthy control dogs. Methods: Prospective clinical investigation. Serum samples were collected for NT‐pCNP measurement from dogs with sepsis or NSIRS within 24 hours of intensive care unit admission or at the time of presentation for healthy dogs. Dogs with sepsis were subclassified based on the anatomic region of infection. Serum NT‐pCNP concentrations were compared among sepsis, NSIRS and healthy groups as well as among sepsis subgroups. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for identifying dogs with sepsis were determined. Results: Using a cut‐off value of 10.1 pmol/L, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of NT‐pCNP for differentiating dogs with sepsis from dogs with NSIRS or healthy control dogs were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.58–0.85), 65.5% (45.7–82.1%), and 89.2% (80.4–94.9%), respectively. Serum NT‐pCNP had poor sensitivity for peritoneal sources of sepsis; AUC [0.92 (0.81–1.0)], sensitivity [94% (71–100%)], and specificity [89% (80–95%)] improved when these dogs were excluded. Serum NT‐pCNP concentration was not associated with survival in the sepsis group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum NT‐pCNP is a promising diagnostic biomarker for sepsis but is a poor indicator of septic peritonitis.     

Cardiac Troponin I in Doberman Pinschers with Cardiomyopathy

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is useful for detection of cardiac myocyte damage, but its efficacy in detecting various stages of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers is unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of cTnI in various stages of DCM in Dobermans. Animals: Six hundred and fifty‐three cTnI measurements of 336 Doberman Pinschers. Methods: Using a longitudinal study design, staging of the disease was based upon 24‐hour‐ambulatory‐ECG (Holter) and echocardiography. A total of 447 cTnI measurements were performed in 264 healthy Dobermans, and 206 cTnI measurements in 75 Dobermans with cardiomyopathy. Eighty‐eight cTnI samples were from dogs with >100 ventricular premature contractions (VPCs)/24 hour, but without echocardiographic changes (“VPC group”). Additional 19 samples originated from dogs with only echocardiographic changes (“ECHO group”), and 56 samples from dogs with both VPCs and echocardiographic changes (“VPC plus ECHO group”). Twenty samples were from dogs with clinical signs (“clinical group”). The group “incipient” included 23 dogs, that were considered to be normal according to Holter and echocardiography at the time of the exam, but that developed DCM within 1.5 years. Results: cTnI values of dogs in all disease groups, including the “incipient” (0.30 ± 0.20) and “VPC group” (0.36 ± 0.34), were significantly (P= .04, P < .001) higher than the control group (0.07 ± 0.16). A cut‐off value of >0.22 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 79.5% and a specificity of 84.4% to detect all forms of cardiomyopathy. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: cTnI measurement is a valuable diagnostic test that can detect cardiomyopathy in dogs that are otherwise clinically normal.     

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.