Abstract
BackgroundHypovitaminosis D has previously been shown to be prevalent amongst dogs with protein losing enteropathy (PLE).The hypothesis of this study was that Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) serum concentrations could be a risk factor for negative outcome in dogs with PLE.Forty-three dogs diagnosed with PLE (2005–2014) and which serum Vitamin D serum concentrations were collected and archived at −80 Degrees C were analyzed.Post-diagnostic communication with referring veterinarians was made to determine outcome of PLE dogss: Dogs which died due to PLE within 4 months after diagnosis (negative outcome group, n = 22) and dogs alive or which died due to another disease at the end point of the study (1 year after diagnosis, good outcome group, n = 21). Serum samples taken at the time of diagnosis were analysed for ionized calcium (iCa) concentrations and serum 25(OH) D concentration.ResultsClinical (CCECAI) scores, age at PLE diagnosis, and iCa concentrations were not significantly different between dog groups. A significantly greater (p < 0.001) number of PLE dogs treated with hydrolyzed or elimination diet alone showed good outcome as compared to the PLE negative outcome group. Median serum 25(OH) D concentration was significantly (p = 0.017) lower in dogs with negative outcome versus PLE dogs with good outcome. Using logistic regression analysis, 25(OH) D serum concentration was shown to be a statistically significant factor for outcome determination. Cox regression analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.974 (95% CI 0.949, 0.999) per each one nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH) D concentration.ConclusionsLow serum 25(OH) D concentration in PLE dogs was significantly associated with poor outcome. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical efficacy of Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) as a potential therapeutic agent for dogs with PLE.
Highlights
Hypovitaminosis D has previously been shown to be prevalent amongst dogs with protein losing enteropathy (PLE)
We sought to investigate the presence of low ionized calcium (iCa) and 25(OH) D serum concentrations in dogs with PLE and whether these variables were associated with negative outcome
Forty-three PLE dogs were included in the study with dogs having good outcome and dogs having negative outcome
Summary
Hypovitaminosis D has previously been shown to be prevalent amongst dogs with protein losing enteropathy (PLE). The hypothesis of this study was that Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) serum concentrations could be a risk factor for negative outcome in dogs with PLE. There is evidence that biomarkers, such as serum C-reactive protein, serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, and fecal alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor concentrations, are more commonly elevated in those dogs having the shortest survival times [7, 8]. Electrolyte disturbances, such as low total and ionized calcium concentrations and hypomagnesemia, have been reported in some PLE in dogs [9, 10]. We sought to investigate the presence of low iCa and 25(OH) D serum concentrations in dogs with PLE and whether these variables were associated with negative outcome
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