Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Trace element levels in dogs with cancer compared to healthy dogs
By Larrán, Belén et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2026·Departamento de Patoloxí, Spain·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Trace element profiles in canine neoplastic disease.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 164 dogs with various types of tumors, including mammary tumors and lymphoma, to see how their blood levels of certain minerals compared to healthy dogs. The researchers found that dogs with tumors had higher levels of copper, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc. These mineral levels varied depending on the type of tumor and were linked to different symptoms and the spread of cancer. The findings suggest that measuring these minerals could help veterinarians assess the stage of cancer and predict outcomes for dogs with tumors.
People also search for: dog tumor symptoms · copper levels in dogs with cancer · lymphoma treatment for dogs
Abstract
Trace elements are essential for physiological processes and have also been associated with tumour development, progression and prognosis in human medicine. This study aimed to characterize the plasma mineral profile of dogs with tumours and explore associations between elements and clinical findings. A total of 164 dogs with tumours (mammary, mast cell tumour, soft tissue sarcoma, intracranial, lymphoma, and hepatic tumour) and 40 controls were included. Plasma samples were analysed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn by mass spectrometry. Clinical findings and biochemical alterations were recorded. Compared to controls, dogs with tumours had higher concentrations of Cu (P < 0.001), Mn (P < 0.01), Ni (P < 0.001), Pb (P < 0.05), Se (P < 0.001), and Zn (P < 0.001). Element profiles differed by tumour type, with changes being particularly evident for hepatic tumours. Higher Cu and Mn concentrations and lower Se levels were associated with the presence of diverse clinical symptoms and distant metastasis. The study findings revealed different plasma trace element profiles in dogs with tumours and in controls, with variations linked to tumour type and clinical features. The findings suggest trace elements could be used as biomarkers for clinical staging or prognosis in canine tumours. Based on their informativeness in this study, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn are recommended for inclusion in a core mineral panel for future research.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41565102/