Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neopterin blood levels in female dogs with malignant mammary tumors
By Szczubiał, M et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative oncology·2014·Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serum neopterin levels in female dogs with malignant mammary tumours.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 50 female dogs with malignant mammary tumors underwent surgery to remove the tumors, and their blood was tested for a substance called neopterin, which can indicate immune system activity. The results showed that the neopterin levels were lower in these dogs compared to healthy dogs, particularly in those with certain types of tumors. This suggests that dogs with malignant mammary tumors may have a weakened immune response, which could affect their ability to fight the cancer. More research is needed to understand the implications of these findings for treatment and recovery.
People also search for: dog mammary tumor treatment · female dog cancer symptoms · low immune system in dogs
Abstract
In this study, we have determined serum neopterin levels in female dogs with primary malignant mammary tumours. The study involved 50 female dogs which had a malignant mammary tumours removed surgically (32 animals with carcinoma, 12 animals with sarcoma and 6 animals with carcinosarcoma) and 10 clinically healthy female dogs. Serum neopterin levels were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. The mean neopterin levels were lower in the malignant tumour groups than in healthy animals but differences were statistically significant only in carcinoma and sarcoma groups. The decrease of neopterin levels in animals with malignant mammary tumours may suggest their decreased cellular immunity. Moreover, it might indicate that decreased activity of cellular mechanisms of the anti-neoplastic response is one of the factors associated with the development and course of malignant mammary tumours in female dogs; however, further studies are necessary.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22882538/