Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Serum and fecal protein test shows gut damage severity in dogs
By Heilmann, Romy M et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2016·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serum and fecal canine α1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations reflect the severity of intestinal crypt abscesses and/or lacteal dilation in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with gastrointestinal issues, including chronic inflammation, were tested for a specific protein in their blood and feces to help diagnose conditions like intestinal crypt abscesses and lacteal dilation. The results showed that dogs with more severe intestinal problems had lower levels of this protein in their blood and higher levels in their feces. This testing method proved to be a useful tool for veterinarians to assess the severity of these conditions. The study suggests that measuring the protein in feces is more effective than in blood for diagnosing gastrointestinal protein loss in dogs.
People also search for: dog gastrointestinal problems · dog intestinal abscess treatment · dog protein loss symptoms
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) protein loss, due to lymphangiectasia or chronic inflammation, can be challenging to diagnose. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serum and fecal canine α1-proteinase inhibitor (cα1PI) concentrations to detect crypt abscesses and/or lacteal dilation in dogs. Serum and fecal cα1PI concentrations were measured in 120 dogs undergoing GI tissue biopsies, and were compared between dogs with and without crypt abscesses/lacteal dilation. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Serial serum cα1PI concentrations were also evaluated in 12 healthy corticosteroid-treated dogs. Serum cα1PI and albumin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with crypt abscesses and/or lacteal dilation than in those without (both P <0.001), and more severe lesions were associated with lower serum cα1PI concentrations, higher 3 days-mean fecal cα1PI concentrations, and lower serum/fecal cα1PI ratios. Serum and fecal cα1PI, and their ratios, distinguished dogs with moderate or severe GI crypt abscesses/lacteal dilation from dogs with only mild or none such lesions with moderate sensitivity (56-92%) and specificity (67-81%). Serum cα1PI concentrations increased during corticosteroid administration. We conclude that serum and fecal α1PI concentrations reflect the severity of intestinal crypt abscesses/lacteal dilation in dogs. Due to its specificity for the GI tract, measurement of fecal cα1PI appears to be superior to serum cα1PI for diagnosing GI protein loss in dogs. In addition, the serum/fecal cα1PI ratio has an improved accuracy in hypoalbuminemic dogs, but serum cα1PI concentrations should be carefully interpreted in corticosteroid-treated dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26631946/