Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Protein C blood test helps detect liver disease and shunts in dogs
By Toulza, Olivier et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of plasma protein C activity for detection of hepatobiliary disease and portosystemic shunting in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 238 dogs with liver issues were tested to see if measuring a protein called protein C could help diagnose liver disease and a condition called portosystemic shunting (PSS), where blood bypasses the liver. The results showed that protein C activity was particularly useful for identifying PSS and severe liver failure. When protein C levels were below 70%, it helped differentiate between two types of liver vascular problems. Using protein C alongside regular blood tests improved the detection of these serious conditions, which can indicate a poor prognosis if other factors like high bilirubin levels are present.
People also search for: dog liver disease symptoms · protein C test for dogs · portosystemic shunting treatment in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of protein C (PC) for detecting hepatobiliary disease and portosystemic shunting (PSS) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 238 clinically ill dogs with (n = 207) and without (31) hepatobiliary disease, including 105 with and 102 without PSS. PROCEDURES: Enrollment required routine hematologic, serum biochemical, and urine tests; measurement of PC activity; and a definitive diagnosis. Total serum bile acids (TSBA) concentration and coagulation status, including antithrombin activity, were determined in most dogs. Dogs were grouped into hepatobiliary and PSS categories. Specificity and sensitivity were calculated by use of a PC cutoff value of 70% activity. RESULTS: Specificity for PC activity and TSBA concentrations was similar (76% and 78%, respectively). Best overall sensitivity was detected with TSBA, but PC activity had high sensitivity for detecting PSS and hepatic failure. Protein C activity in microvascular dysplasia (MVD; PC > or = 70% in 95% of dogs) helped differentiate MVD from portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA; PC < 70% in 88% of dogs). A receiver operating characteristic curve (PSVA vs MVD) validated a useful cutoff value of < 70% activity for PC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combining PC with routine tests improved recognition of PSS, hepatic failure, and severe hepatobiliary disease and signified a grave prognosis when coupled with hyperbilirubinemia and low antithrombin activity in hepatic failure. Protein C activity can help prioritize tests used to distinguish PSVA from MVD and sensitively reflects improved hepatic-portal perfusion after PSVA ligation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17144823/