Preliminary investigation of urine N-telopeptide concentration as a biomarker of bone resorption in dogs receiving glucocorticoids.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The influence of glucocorticoid therapy on bone resorption in dogs using a urine N-telopeptide assay was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one dogs receiving oral glucocorticoids and 31 age-matched healthy control dogs were enrolled. Urine N-telopeptide concentration was measured using a commercially available immunoassay and results were expressed as a ratio against urinary creatinine concentration. Dogs receiving glucocorticoids were divided into three subgroups based on daily glucocorticoid dose and three subgroups based on treatment duration. Urine N-telopeptide concentration was then compared between groups. RESULTS: Urine N-telopeptide concentration was significantly higher in dogs receiving glucocorticoids compared to the control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This preliminary study demonstrates significant increase in urine N-telopeptide concentration in dogs receiving glucocorticoid therapy compared to control dogs. Further studies are needed to assess whether this increase in urine N-telopeptide concentration correlates with decreases in bone mineral density as has been identified in humans.