Alterations in Bone Biomarker and Mineral Metabolism in Dogs After Unilateral Nephrectomy

Abstract

In clinical veterinary practice, changes in mineral metabolism after nephrectomy have been studied. While these changes are not fully established, alterations in biomarkers of bone metabolism, particularly in nephrectomized dogs, have not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate both bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) changes as a biomarker of bone turnover and changes in other parameters of mineral metabolism after unilateral nephrectomy in dogs. Ten apparently clinically healthy Egyptian stray dogs were used in this study. While complete hemogram was done before surgery, physical examination and serum biochemistry were performed immediately before (0 day), 5, and 30 days after surgery. There are no changes between clinical parameters for all dogs before and after surgery which are within normal references value. Serum biochemistry showed that BALP increased significantly (40.76 ± 11.83 IU/ L, P < 0.01) 30 days after nephrectomy. There were no significant changes in serum concentrations of total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Ph), sodium (Na) and creatinine after surgery while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity showed a significant (289.50 ± 14.73 IU/L, P < 0.0005) increase after surgery. We concluded that complete unilateral nephrectomy in dogs is accompanied by a change in BALP, a biomarker of bone turnover, and a change in liver function. Appropriate care following nephrectomy in canine kidney donors or urological indications may be concerned to avoid those changes.