Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
C-reactive protein helps detect pneumonia in dogs with tick paralysis
By Hollindale, M S et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2026·Animal Emergency Service, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A prospective cohort study of C-reactive protein as a marker of aspiration pneumonia in canine tick paralysis (Ixodes holocyclus).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with tick paralysis were evaluated for signs of pneumonia, which can happen when they inhale food or liquid into their lungs. Researchers found that measuring a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) can help detect pneumonia in these dogs. When CRP levels were 20 mg/L or higher, it indicated a high chance of pneumonia, and the levels increased as the severity of lung issues worsened. This information can help veterinarians diagnose and treat pneumonia more effectively in dogs suffering from tick paralysis.
People also search for: dog tick paralysis pneumonia symptoms · C-reactive protein in dogs · how to treat pneumonia in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs with tick paralysis, focusing on its relationship with thoracic radiographic severity scores (TRSS). METHODS: Twenty client-owned dogs presenting to a veterinary emergency hospital were enrolled. CRP concentrations, TRSS, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, vital signs and oxygenation indices were assessed for up to 72 hours from admission. RESULTS: Using a CRP cut-off of ≥20 mg/L, sensitivity and specificity estimates for detecting pneumonia were both 0.86 but imprecise (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.99, 95% CI 0.57-0.98 respectively). CRP was moderately correlated with TRSS (Spearman's ρ = 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.88, P < 0.001) and was negatively correlated with heart rate (r = -0.302, 95% CI -0.518 to -0.049, P = 0.02), SpO(r = -0.342, 95% CI -0.550 to -0.094, P = 0.008) and the SpO2/FiOratio (r = -0.292, 95% CI -0.510 to -0.039, P = 0.025). TRSS was negatively correlated with total WBC count (ρ = -0.382, 95% CI -0.638 to -0.051, P = 0.026). There was no evidence that CRP differs by gait score or respiratory grade after accounting for TRSS. Temporal trends by case showed that CRP increases in parallel with worsening radiographic scores. CONCLUSIONS: CRP is a valuable biomarker for pneumonia in dogs with tick paralysis in conjunction with other clinical indicators of pneumonia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41062098/