Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low vitamin B12 and blood protein levels linked in dogs with gut
By Grützner, Niels et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2014·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Relationship between cobalamin-dependent metabolites and both serum albumin and alpha1 -proteinase inhibitor concentrations in hypocobalaminemic dogs of 7 different breeds.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with low vitamin B12 levels (hypocobalaminemia) had their blood tested for certain substances, including homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which can indicate health issues. The study found that higher levels of homocysteine were linked to lower levels of albumin and alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, which are important proteins in the blood. Interestingly, specific breeds like German Shepherds and Chinese Shar-Peis showed unique patterns in these relationships. This information could help veterinarians understand and manage health problems related to low vitamin B12 in dogs.
People also search for: dog low vitamin B12 symptoms · German Shepherd blood test results · Chinese Shar-Pei health issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCY) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), the 2 main cobalamin-dependent metabolites, as well as decreased serum albumin and canine alpha1 -proteinase inhibitor (cα1 -PI) concentrations have previously been described in hypocobalaminemic dogs with gastrointestinal disease. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate potential relationships between these serum biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between HCY and MMA, 2 cobalamin-dependent metabolites, and both serum albumin and cα1 -PI concentrations in hypocobalaminemic dogs. METHODS: Serum samples from 285 dogs including 7 different breeds (Beagle, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Yorkshire Terrier) with hypocobalaminemia were used. Serum HCY, MMA, albumin, and cα1 -PI concentrations were determined. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between serum HCY and albumin concentrations, as well as serum HCY and cα1 -PI concentrations (ρ = 0.62 and ρ = 0.37, respectively; P < .0001). No correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations, or cα1 -PI concentrations (ρ = 0.01 and ρ = 0.08, respectively; P > .05). In addition, significant breed-specific correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations in German Shepherds, and serum HCY and MMA concentrations in Chinese Shar-Peis with hypocobalaminemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a correlation between serum albumin and cα1 -PI and HCY concentrations, but not with serum MMA concentration in dogs with hypocobalaminemia. In addition, significant breed-specific correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations in German Shepherds, as well as serum HCY and MMA concentrations in Chinese Shar-Peis, emphasizing the unique metabolic interactions in those dog breeds affected by hypocobalaminemia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25331651/