C-reactive Protein Concentrations In Dogs Research Articles

Evaluation of plasma canine C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with otitis media, healthy dogs and dogs with chronic otitis externa.

Otitis is characterised by inflammation of one or more of the structures of the ear. At present, to confirm or exclude otitis media (OM), it is most often necessary to perform a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Inflammation is an immune defence response found in many conditions that can be detected and tracked by measuring biological markers of inflammation as the Canine C-reactive protein (CRP). The objective of this study was to determine whether CRP measurement is useful as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in dogs with otitis and whether elevated concentrations correlated with disease severity/presence of OM. Twenty-four client-owned dogs were recruited over 1 year. The dogs were divided into three groups: chronic or recurrent otitis externa (CO), otitis media (OM) and H (healthy). The dogs with otitis underwent a CT scan of the head, measurement of the plasma CRP concentration and evaluation of a 0-3 Otitis Index Score 3 (OTIS3 score). No dog (0%) in group H had an increased CRP value, compared to 20% in the CO group (one of five dogs) and 23% in the OM group (3 of 13 dogs). Plasma CRP concentrations show a statistically significant positive relationship with the OTIS3 score (p = 0.04). Plasma CRP concentration is not reliable as a discriminatory tool in cases of otitis, although there is a trend for elevation in cases with more severe disease. However, a larger study may provide a statistically more reliable correlation between the severity of OM and CRP concentrations.

C-reactive protein concentration has limited value in the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs.

To evaluate blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO); to evaluate whether blood CRP concentration is associated with epidemiological, clinicopathologic, and MRI findings; and to investigate blood CRP predictive power in survival. 30 client-owned dogs with MUO, 15 client-owned dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA; positive control group), and 15 healthy dogs (negative control group). Blood CRP concentration was measured in each group, while it was performed in CSF only in the MUO and SRMA groups. The analysis of epidemiological data included breed, age, sex, duration of clinical signs, and history of seizures. Blinded analysis of MRI was performed based on a classification grid, and traditional CSF analysis parameters were assessed. The predictive power of blood CRP concentration regarding survival at 6 months was investigated. Of the 30 dogs with MUO, 9 (30%) had an increased CRP concentration in blood, and 3 (10%) showed a measurable CRP in CSF. Median blood CRP concentration in dogs with MUO was 0.1 mg/L (range, 0.1 to 102 mg/L), which was not statistically different from the healthy dog group but significantly lower than the SRMA control group. Only the duration of clinical signs was positively associated with an increased blood CRP level. Blood CRP concentration was not associated with survival at 6 months. Blood CRP concentration is of limited value for the diagnosis and prognosis of dogs with MUO. Chronicity of the disease may be associated with an increased concentration of blood CRP.

Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease and infective endocarditis

This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and infective endocarditis. It also aimed to evaluate whether there is a relationship between the degree of disease and serum PCT and CRP concentrations. A total of 100 dogs with MVD were prospectively recruited into the study. According to clinical/laboratory signs and echocardiography, the dogs were divided into infective and degenerative groups. The degenerative group was also classified into four stages based on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines (Stages A-D). Serum PCT and CRP concentrations were determined with dog-specific commercial test kits. The serum CRP (P<0.05) and PCT (P<0.001) concentrations in the infective group were significantly higher than the degenerative group. In the degenerative group, the serum CRP concentration of stage D dogs was significantly higher than the other stages (P<0.001), and the degree of disease correlated significantly positively with serum CRP concentration (r=0.531 P=0.000). In conclusion, serum CRP and PCT concentrations may aid traditional diagnostic techniques to differentiate infective and degenerative mitral valve disease. This study also demonstrated that serum CRP concentrations were elevated in Stage D dogs, and that there is a positive correlation between the degree of disease and serum CRP concentration. This can be useful in determining the severity of the inflammatory state in dogs with DMVD.

Serum protein profiles and C-reactive protein in natural canine filariasis.

Background and Aim:Canine filariasis is caused by several species of filarial worms. The pathophysiological response to infection is mainly due to the filaria lifecycle. Laboratory detection methods to assess the pathological alterations characteristic of filariasis are needed urgently. Serum protein profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are used widely to diagnose several animal diseases. This study aimed to determine the serum protein profiles and CRP levels in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis or Brugia pahangi or both parasites.Materials and Methods:Blood samples were collected from 980 dogs presenting at animal hospitals and veterinary clinics in Bangkok and its vicinity. The presence of microfilaria in samples was determined using a buffy coat smear and staining with Wright–Giemsa. The sheathed and unsheathed microfilaria species were identified by acid phosphatase staining. Forty positive samples were tested. The serum protein profiles were identified by agarose gel electrophoresis. The CRP concentration was measured using a fluorescent immunoassay.Results:Albumin levels and albumin-to-globulin ratios were significantly lower, and total protein, β2 globulin, and γ globulin levels were significantly elevated in dogs infected with D. immitis and B. pahangi compared with reference values in normal dogs. The average CRP concentrations in dogs infected with D. immitis or B. pahangi were 69.9 and 12.9 mg/L, respectively.Conclusion:The total protein and γ globulin levels increased in canine filariasis compared with the normal reference range. The CRP concentration in dogs infected with D. immitis was extremely high, whereas that in dog infected with B. pahangi was normal.

Evaluation of an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for detecting canine C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute-phase protein, and it is produced by the liver in response to a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Given that human and canine CRP have a similar molecular structure, the assays used for human CRP detection have been used to measure CRP concentrations in dogs. We evaluated the use of a human CRP assay (Biotecnica CRP assay) and validated its application in dogs. We analyzed 91 canine serum samples with a fully automated analyzer. Our validation was based on the evaluation of imprecision, limits of linearity, limits of quantification, and an evaluation of interferences. The new assay was also compared with the Randox CRP assay, a validated assay for the measurement of CRP. Intra- and inter-assay repeatability were <8% and <11%, respectively. The tested assay proportionally measured canine CRP in an analytical range up to 60 mg/L; however, hemoglobin, triglycerides, and bilirubin interfered with the determination. Good agreement, with the presence of proportional systematic bias, was observed between Biotecnica and Randox assays. The Biotecnica CRP assay provides reliable measurement of CRP in canine serum, provided that samples are free of interferents.

Serum and Urinary C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Leptospirosis

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic strains of Leptospira, which may affect human beings and a wide range of both domestic and wild animals. The disease in dogs is still a challenge for clinicians, since definitive diagnosis may be reached only few days after overt clinical signs. Besides that, dogs with leptospiruria have zoonotic risk, making development of rapid screening tests crucial for early diagnosis of disease. C-reactive protein is a positive acute phase protein, and in the dog a strong and fast response is expected after any tissue injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and urinary C-reactive protein as potential early indicators of leptospirosis in dogs, and its association with clinical serum biochemistry, complete blood count (CBC) and clinical outcome. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 dogs with risk factors and/or clinical signs of leptospirosis were prospectively obtained and included in this study. Definitive diagnosis was based on serology, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 13 serovars, and on a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or urine, using the primers sets G1/G2 and B64I/B64II, which amplify DNA of pathogenic leptospires. Clinical serum biochemistry included creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and albumin. C-reactive protein was performed in serum and urine using a semi-quantitative latex-agglutination test. A total of 49/62 (79%) dogs had a positive diagnosis of leptospirosis. From these, 12 (24.5%) had positive blood PCR, 17 (34.7%) positive urine PCR and 43 (87.7%) had positive serology. Concurrent positive serology and positive PCR (blood or urine) occurred in 19 (38.8%) dogs, whereas 24 (49%) dogs had positive serology only, and 6 (12.2%) dogs had positive PCR only. Dogs with negative results at serology and PCR were kept for analysis and participated as negative control group. Out of the 62 dogs, 25 (40.3%) had high liver enzymes, 18 (29%) had azotemia, 23 (37.1%) had leukocytosis, 37 (59.7%) had high creatine kinase levels and 37 (59.7%) had hypoalbuminemia. Twelve death cases (19.3%) occurred within 10 days after the sample collection. Positive serology was significantly associated with urinary C-reactive protein (P = 0.038). Only a weak association was found between serum C-reactive protein and blood PCR (area under curve= 0.68). There was no association between urinary C-reactive protein and urine PCR, urinary C-reactive protein and blood PCR, serum C-reactive protein and positive serology, or serum C-reactive protein and urine PCR. Increased liver enzymes (P = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.002) were associated with high levels of serum C-reactive protein. There was no association between serum or urinary C-reactive protein and death. Discussion: In this study, it was hypothesized that increased blood C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiremia, whereas increased urinary C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiruria. However, the results showed that C-reactive protein was not useful to predict leptospiremia or leptospiruria in the naturally infected dogs of this study; and although association between urinary C-reactive protein and seropositivity was observed, it should not be used as a unique test for leptospirosis. In conclusion, although C-reactive protein may be used as part of a screening profile, it should not be considared as indicator alone of leptospirosis screening in dogs.

Inflammatory cytokine and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

To evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) kinetics in dogs with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) presented to an emergency service. We hypothesized serum CRP concentrations would increase and vary during hospitalization, and would correlate with plasma IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, vary in magnitude according to the underlying disease, and predict survival. Prospective, observational, clinical study. University emergency department. Sixty-nine dogs with SIRS weighing over 5 kg who could tolerate the blood sampling. Serum and plasma were collected (and stored at -80°C) at presentation (T0), after 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24), and 72 (T72) hours, and at a follow-up visit at least 1 month after discharge (T1m). Underlying diseases were categorized as infection (I), neoplasia (N), trauma (T), gastric-dilation and volvulus (GDV), other gastrointestinal (GI), renal (R), and miscellaneous (M) disease. Serum CRP concentration was measured using a canine-specific immunoturbidimetric assay. Biologically active plasma IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were assessed using bioassays. Forty-four dogs survived, 8 died, and 17 were euthanized. Nineteen dogs had follow-up visits. At T0, serum CRP concentration was above the reference interval in 73.1% (49/67), and was within the reference interval (0-141.9 nmol/L) throughout hospitalization in only 6% (4/67). Serum CRP concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) at T0 (882.9 ± 1082.9 nmol/L) and at all time points during hospitalization (P < 0.0001) compared to T1m, with highest concentrations observed at T24 (906. 7 ± 859.0 nmol/L). At T1m, serum CRP concentrations were within the reference interval (22.9 ± 42.9 nmol/L) in 95% (18/19) of dogs. Logarithmic concentrations of serum CRP and plasma IL-6 were significantly correlated (P < 0.001, r = 0.479). None of the measured cytokines were associated with disease category or outcome. Serum CRP concentration is increased in dogs with SIRS, and decreases during treatment and hospitalization. Serum CRP, plasma IL-6, and plasma TNF-α concentrations cannot predict outcome in dogs with SIRS.

C-reactief proteïneconcentraties in het serum van honden met idiopathische epilepsie

Inflammatoire reacties bij honden zijn geassocieerd met systemische veranderingen in het serum, de acute fase respons genaamd. Deze gaat gepaard met veranderde concentraties acutefase-eiwitten in het serum. Het C-reactief proteïne (CRP) is een positief acutefase-eiwit en stijgt bijgevolg bij een ontsteking. Er bestaat veel onduidelijkheid over de relatie tussen epilepsie en ontsteking. Daarom werd in deze studie de rol van ontsteking onderzocht bij honden met idiopathische epilepsie (IE). Drie doelstellingen werden vooropgesteld: 1. het meten van serum-CRP-concentraties bij honden met IE en bij gezonde honden, 2. het meten van serum-CRP-concentraties bij honden met acute clusteraanvallen en bij honden met geïsoleerde aanvallen en 3. het opvolgen van de evolutie in serum-CRP-concentraties in de tijd na de laatste epilepsieaanval. In deze studie kon geen significant verschil in serum-CRPconcentratie tussen honden met IE en de honden van de controlegroep worden aangetoond. Verder waren de gemiddelde serum-CRP-concentraties hoger bij honden met clusteraanvallen (8,3 mg/l) dan bij honden met geïsoleerde aanvallen (7,8 mg/l). Deze resultaten waren echter statistisch niet significant (P = 0,077). Ten slotte werd een statistisch niet-significante daling in serum-CRP-concentraties gezien na de laatste epileptische aanval bij de honden met IE (P = 0,077).

Increased serum C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease

Cardiovascular disease in humans and dogs is associated with mildly increased circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP). Few studies have evaluated associations between circulating CRP and canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and the results reported have been divergent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of CRP, determined using a novel automated canine-specific high-sensitivity CRP assay (Gentian hsCRP), were associated with severity of MMVD and selected clinical variables in dogs. The study included 188 client-owned dogs with different severities of MMVD. Dogs were classified based on ACVIM consensus statement guidelines (group A, n = 58; group B1, n = 56; group B2, n = 38; group C, n = 36). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.Dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF; group C) had significantly higher CRP concentrations (median, 2.65 mg/L; quartile 1–quartile 3, 1.09–5.09) compared to dogs in groups A (median, 0.97 mg/L; quartile 1–quartile 3, <0.50–1.97; P = 0.001), B1 (median, 0.78 mg/L; quartile 1–quartile 3, <0.50–1.73, P < 0.0001) and B2 (median, 0.60 mg/L; quartile 1–quartile 3, <0.50–1.23; P < 0.0001). Other variables reflecting disease severity, including left atrial to aortic root ratio (P = 0.0002, adjusted r2 = 0.07) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalised for bodyweight (P = 0.0005, adjusted r2 = 0.06), were positively associated with CRP concentration, but the association disappeared if dogs with CHF were excluded from analysis. In conclusion, slightly higher CRP concentrations were found in dogs with CHF whereas severity of asymptomatic MMVD showed no association with CRP concentrations.

Inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers of disease severity in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

To study changes in serum C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and albumin concentration, total anti-oxidant capacity and paraoxonase-1 and butyrylcholinesterase activity in dogs with parvoviral enteritis of different degrees of clinical severity. Prospective study of 9 healthy and 43 dogs with parvoviral enteritis that were classified into mildly, moderately and affected groups. Dogs with parvoviral enteritis had a significant increase in C-reactive protein compared with healthy dogs, with an increase of higher magnitude in animals with more severe clinical signs. All dogs with parvoviral enteritis had a significant increase in haptoglobin concentration compared with healthy dogs, but with no difference according to disease severity. There was a decrease in paraoxonase-1 activity in parvoviral enteritis. Major increases of C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis are a marker of disease severity. In addition, higher values for anti-oxidants in severe cases compared with mild and moderate cases suggest a possible compensatory anti-oxidant mechanism.

Surfactant Protein-A Concentration in Sera from Dogs with Pulmonary Parenchymal Diseases

Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) is used as a biomarker to understand the clinical features of pulmonary diseases and associated prognostic indices in human medicine. This study was conducted to investigate whether or not serum SP-A concentration can be used as a biomarker for identifying pulmonary parenchymal diseases in dogs. Thirty-two dogs with pulmonary parenchymal diseases, 34 with nonrespiratory diseases and 57 healthy dogs were included. Serum SP-A concentration was measured in all dogs using sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with an anti-dog SP-A polyclonal antibody. Median serum SP-A concentration in healthy dogs was <2.0 ng/ml, whereas that in dogs with aspiration pneumonia (n=11), primary lung tumors (n=9) and blunt traumatic lung injury (BTLI; n=12) was 3.1, 7.2 and 2.6 ng/ml, respectively; these values were significantly higher than those in healthy dogs. The serum SP-A concentration in dogs with nonrespiratory diseases was comparable with that in healthy dogs. No correlation was observed between the serum SP-A and plasma C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with aspiration pneumonia and BTLI. There was a significant correlation between the serum SP-A concentration and thoracic radiographic changes in dogs with BTLI. These findings suggest that the serum SP-A concentration may be a useful clinical biomarker of alveolar damage that can be used for differential diagnosis of pulmonary parenchymal diseases and nonrespiratory diseases in dogs.

Fibrinolytic Activity in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Dogs with Different Neurological Disorders

Fibrinolytic activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is activated in humans by different pathologic processes. To investigate fibrinolytic activity in the CSF of dogs with neurological disorders by measuring CSF D-dimer concentrations. One hundred and sixty-nine dogs with neurological disorders, 7 dogs with systemic inflammatory diseases without central nervous system involvement (SID), and 7 healthy Beagles were included in the study. Dogs with neurological disorders included 11 with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), 37 with other inflammatory neurological diseases (INF), 38 with neoplasia affecting the central nervous system (NEO), 28 with spinal compressive disorders (SCC), 15 with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), and 40 with noninflammatory neurological disorders (NON-INF). Prospective observational study. D-dimers and C-reactive protein (CRP) were simultaneously measured in paired CSF and blood samples. D-dimers and CRP were detected in 79/183 (43%) and in 182/183 (99.5%) CSF samples, respectively. All dogs with IE, SID, and controls had undetectable concentrations of D-dimers in the CSF. CSF D-dimer concentrations were significantly (P < .001) higher in dogs with SRMA than in dogs with other diseases and controls. CSF CRP concentration in dogs with SRMA was significantly (P < .001) higher than in dogs of other groups and controls, except for the SID group. No correlation was found between blood and CSF D-dimer concentrations. Intrathecal fibrinolytic activity seems to be activated in some canine neurological disorders, and it is high in severe meningeal inflammatory diseases. CSF D-dimer concentrations may be considered a diagnostic marker for SRMA.

C-reactive protein as an indicator of inflammatory responses to experimentally induced cystitis in dogs

The aim of this study was to demonstrate and assess C-reactive protein (CRP) changes in dogs with induced bacterial cystitis with or without antibiotics. We also evaluated availability of CRP levels to serve as an indicator for monitoring or diagnosing bacterial cystitis. Serial CRP concentrations in dogs with induced bacterial cystitis were higher than those of controls (p < 0.001). CRP concentrations peaked on day 7 and gradually decreased thereafter. In the treatment group, CRP concentrations decreased after medication compared to the untreated group (p = 0.032). CRP levels had a linear correlation with urine white blood cell counts among all groups (r = 0.837, p < 0.001, n = 140). Compared to the negative urine culture group, dogs with positive urine culture results had higher CRP concentrations (median 43.8 mg/L vs. 5.9 mg/L; p < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.955; when cut-off value was 12.2 mg/L, CRP measurements were found to have a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 86.4%. This result indicates that rapid increases of CRP occurred after inducing bacterial cystitis and CRP may be a useful indicator for monitoring or diagnosing canine bacterial cystitis together with sediment urinalysis and urine bacterial culture.

Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentration in Benign and Malignant Canine Spirocercosis

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode of canids that forms a nodule in the esophagus that can undergo neoplastic transformation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein in the dog that has been used for treatment, monitoring, and prognostication in inflammatory and neoplastic disease. The objectives of this study were to determine if serum CRP concentration (1) is increased in canine spirocercosis, (2) can be used to determine neoplastic transformation, and (3) can be used to monitor response to treatment in benign spirocercosis. Forty-two dogs naturally infected with S. lupi and 21 control dogs. A retrospective study was performed. The infected cases were divided into benign (n = 28) or malignant (n = 14) spirocercosis. CRP was performed on all of the spirocercosis and control cases at presentation. Statistical analysis was done by the one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test. The mean CRP concentration in the benign cases was 60.4 ± 48.0 mg/L and that of the malignant cases was 76.5 ± 44.8 mg/L; both values were significantly higher (P < .001) than those of the control group where the mean was 13.4 ± 17.9 mg/L. The mean CRP concentration for the convalescent sera in the benign group was lower than the pretreatment concentrations (P= .01). CRP cannot be used to differentiate between benign and malignant spirocercosis. There is a decrease in CRP concentration in dogs with benign spirocercosis once treatment has commenced. Serial CRP measurement can be used to monitor response to treatment in benign spirocercosis.

An evaluation of changes over time in serum creatine kinase activity and C-reactive protein concentration in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy or ovariohysterectomy

The extent of trauma in a patient can be difficult for a clinician to quantify. A prospective study was performed on 2 groups of dogs undergoing either ovariohysterectomy or hemilaminectomy. The serum activity of creatine kinase and serum concentration of C-reactive protein were evaluated preoperatively and then at 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively in both groups. The results were compared statistically both within and between the 2 groups. A wide range of results was found at each time point for both analytes although there were no significant differences for either analyte between the 2 surgical groups preoperatively. Thereafter there were significant differences in creatine kinase activity levels between the 2 groups. C-reactive protein concentration results were very similar in the 2 groups with no statistical difference at any time point. The results of this study suggest that the evaluation of CK and CRP at any one time point in a traumatised animal is of limited value. However, the evaluation of the trend of these 2 analytes, even over a relatively short time period, may allow for useful prognostication in clinical cases.

C-Reactive Protein as a Prognostic Indicator in Dogs with Acute Abdomen Syndrome

The objective of the present study was to measure serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in 32 dogs with acute abdomen syndrome at presentation and after 48-72 hr. Data were evaluated to determine if there was an association between CRP concentration and outcome, and if CRP concentration correlated with the white blood cell (WBC) count at both time points. An immunoturbidimetric assay for human CRP, previously validated for use in dogs, was used for serum CRP analysis. Increased serum CRP concentrations were found in 21 dogs at presentation. Fifteen of these dogs had declining serum CRP concentrations by 48-72 hr, but 3 of the 15 dogs were later euthanized. Serum CRP concentrations increased by 48-72 hr in 4 dogs. Of the 32 dogs, 4 were dead or were euthanized prior to the 48-72 hr time point. No significant difference between initial CRP concentration and outcome was found (P = 0.054). Initial and 48-72 hr CRP values taken together were significantly different between outcome groups (P < 0.001). Serum CRP concentrations that were elevated at both time points were associated with a poor prognosis. No correlation was found between CRP concentrations and WBC counts at presentation (P = 0.83); however, a significant correlation was noted at 48-72 hr (P = 0.03). Evaluation of sequential CRP concentrations in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome may be helpful in assessing clinical response to treatment and predicting outcome. Also, serum CRP may be better in detecting tissue injury and/or inflammation at presentation than WBC counts in select cases.

C‐reactive protein concentration in dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia

Canine primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is associated with a high-mortality rate. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most important acute-phase protein in dogs and may have value as a marker of prognosis or response to treatment in IMHA. The objectives of this study were to evaluate serum CRP concentration in dogs with primary IMHA at presentation and during treatment, to assess potential differences based on survival time, and to compare CRP with other laboratory parameters of inflammation and prognosis. Inclusion criteria for primary IMHA were anemia (PCV<0.30 L/L), a positive Coombs' test or persistent autoagglutination of erythrocytes, and the exclusion of underlying diseases by other diagnostic tests. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on survival: dogs that were still alive 14 days after start of treatment (group 1) and dogs that died or were euthanized before day 14 (group 2). Serum CRP concentration, a CBC, and a biochemistry profile were performed on days 0, 3, 8, and 14. Serum CRP also was determined in 25 clinically healthy dogs. CRP concentration in the 25 clinically healthy dogs ranged from 0-8.9 microg/mL (median 2.2 microg/mL). Thirty dogs were diagnosed with primary IMHA, 24 in group 1 and 6 in group 2. On day 0, CRP concentration in dogs in both groups (median 224 microg/mL) was increased above the reference interval. In group 1 dogs, median CRP concentration was 242 microg/mL on day 0, 69 microg/mL on day 3, 35 microg/mL on day 8, and 2 microg/mL on day 14. In group 2 dogs, median CRP concentration was 194 microg/mL on day 0, 119 microg/mL on day 3, and 41 microg/mL on day 8; only 1 dog in group 2 survived to day 8. There was a significant correlation between CRP and total WBC concentrations on days 0 and 3 (r=-.598, P=.003). Serum CRP concentration was markedly increased in dogs with primary IMHA. CRP concentration did not differ based on patient survival, but might be a marker for long-term monitoring of these patients.

Evaluation of serum haptoglobin and C‐reactive protein in dogs with mammary tumors

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. 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. 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. 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). 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.

Cardiac troponin I and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis before and after balloon valvuloplasty

Objective To report cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis (PS) before and after balloon valvuloplasty (BV). Background Increased morbidity and mortality have been reported with severe PS and histopathologic evidence of myocardial damage is demonstrated with BV. Severity of myocardial injury and inflammation associated with severe PS and BV, as assessed by cTnI and CRP, is unknown. Animals, materials and methods Serum cTnI and CRP concentrations were measured in dogs with severe PS ( n = 23) and following BV ( n = 16). Results Baseline cTnI and CRP were elevated in 7/23 (30.4%) and 8/23 (34.8%) dogs. Median cTnI at baseline and post-BV were 0.20 ng/mL (range, 0.20–1.29 ng/mL) and 2.85 ng/mL (range, 0.21–55.40 ng/mL), respectively. Median CRP at baseline and post-BV were 3.40 μg/mL (range, 0–14.70 μg/mL) and 11.70 μg/mL (range, 4.20–120 μg/mL), respectively. Post-BV concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline for cTnI ( p < 0.001) and CRP ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Serum cTnI and CRP are increased in dogs with severe PS and following BV. Future studies should evaluate whether biomarkers correlate with severity and prognosis of PS or can be used to guide therapy.

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.