Haematological and biochemical values in North American Scottish deerhounds

Thyroid function tests during nonthyroidal illness syndrome and recovery in acutely ill dogs

BACKGROUND

Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) can result in thyroid function test alterations that mimic hypothyroidism. The duration of NTIS-induced changes in dogs is not well-described.

OBJECTIVES

Document alterations in thyroid function tests during NTIS and recovery, and the time necessary for their resolution.

ANIMALS

From 103 dogs sampled, 25 euthyroid dogs with acute, resolvable illness having a low serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentration on admission were analyzed.

METHODS

Prospective observational study. Serum TT4 concentration was measured in 103 dogs within 4 hours of admission. If below the reference interval (RI), subsequent serum samples were obtained every 24 hours from admission until discharge (acute phase) and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after discharge (recovery phase). Serum samples were submitted for batch measurement of serum TT4, free thyroxine (fT4), total 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations.

RESULTS

In the cohort of dogs analyzed, serum TT4, TT3, and fT4 concentrations were below the RI in 100%, 80%, and 16% at admission; 20%, 80%, and 0% at discharge; 4%, 8%, and 0% at 2 weeks; and 0%, 0%, and 0% at 4 weeks, respectively. Serum TSH concentration was within the RI in 100% at admission and discharge, and above the RI in 4% and 12% at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Naturally occurring NTIS in dogs induces alterations in thyroid function tests during acute illness and recovery. Measurement of serum TT4 concentration 2 to 4 weeks after discharge or serum fT4 concentration by ED during illness is recommended for accurate assessment of thyroid function in acutely ill dogs.

Identification by whole genome sequencing of genes associated with delayed postoperative hemorrhage in Scottish deerhounds

BACKGROUND

Delayed postoperative hemorrhage (DEPOH) is an important health concern for Scottish deerhounds.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Identify genes associated with DEPOH in Scottish deerhounds.

ANIMALS

Two hundred sixty-nine privately owned Scottish deerhounds.

METHODS

Retrospective case-control study. DEPOH cases and controls were identified through an owner health survey. Genome-wide association analysis was performed using whole genome sequences from 8 cases and 17 controls. All cases and controls were genotyped for selected variants.

RESULTS

Of 269 dogs, 10 met inclusion and exclusion criteria for DEPOH, while 62 controls had undergone similar surgical procedures without DEPOH. Genome-wide association analysis identified a single locus on chromosome 9 spanning 40 genes. One of these genes (SERPINF2 encoding alpha-2 antiplasmin) was directly linked to the pathophysiology of DEPOH. The entire cohort was genotyped for a missense SERPINF2 variant (c.605 C>T; p.A202V). Compared to dogs with the reference C/C genotype, the likelihood of DEPOH was significantly higher for dogs with the T/T genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1235; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 23-6752; P = 0.0005) and with the C/T genotype (OR = 28; 95% CI = 1.4-542; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

SERPINF2 is associated with DEPOH in Scottish deerhounds. Genetic testing might be able to identify dogs that are susceptible to DEPOH.

QimmeqHealth-thyroid status of Greenland sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris borealis)

BACKGROUND

Greenland sled dogs (GSD) are a unique, genetically isolated population of dogs living under exceptional environmental conditions. Metabolism, and thereby thyroid hormones are affected by multiple factors. Among other activity, energy balance and environmental conditions are important. A breed-specific reference interval (RI) can be useful for diagnostics of potential thyroid-related pathologies. The aim of this study was to establish RIs of the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in GSD. In addition to evaluate the effect of sex, age, season, management, and body condition score (BCS) in GSD. Physical exams and cephalic venous blood sampling were performed in the period of 2018-2019 from 265 GSD managed either privately or by the Danish navy. Serum biochemical analyses, including C-reactive protein, were performed and RIs were determined for TSH, T4 and fT4 in only healthy dogs. The RIs were determined using American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines and the effect of varying factors were evaluated by linear regression and further tested by Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

144 GSD were included in the reference group resulting in RIs: T4: 6.44-48.65 nmol/L; fT4: 3.91-18.51 pmol/L; and TSH: 0.04-0.55 ng/mL. Female GSD had significantly higher concentrations of T4 (P = 0.039) and fT4 (P = 0.015) compared to males; a positive correlation between TSH and aging was found; T4 concentrations were significantly higher (P = 0.003) during summer; and TSH concentrations were lower in GSD managed by the navy (P < 0.0001). BCS was higher (P < 0.0001) in Sirius GSD compared to civilian GSD, and BCS was positively correlated with T4 and negatively correlated with TSH.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference intervals for T4, fT4 and TSH in GSD were established. The RI for T4 and fT4 was lower compared to other breeds. In addition, sex, age, season, management and BCS demonstrated variable effects on thyroid hormones. Our results can be used as a foundation for improving management and further research of GSD.

Hematological and Biochemical Reference Intervals for 5 Adult Hunting Dog Breeds Using a Blood Donor Database

Simple Summary

Hematological and biochemical profiles are essential in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in veterinary medicine, requiring optimal Reference Intervals (RIs) for accurate interpretation. The aim of this study is to determine hematobiochemical RIs for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. A total of 445 healthy adult hunting dogs (156 Ariégeois, A; 52 Bleu de Gascogne, B; 64 Bracco italiano, C; 123 Segugio italiano, D; 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen, E) were included in the study. Significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes, for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation, were detected, and new RIs for these parameters are provided.

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown the importance of breed-related differences between hematological and biochemical results in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to determine hematologic and biochemical Reference Intervals (RIs) for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database, adopting an indirect sampling method, and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. The study analyzed the blood parameters of 445 adults (222 females and 223 male, with age ranging from 2 to 8 years, mean age 5.3 years), client-owned, clinically healthy blood donor dogs of 5 breeds: 156 Ariégeois, 52 Bleu de Gascogne, 64 Bracco italiano, 123 Segugio italiano, and 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen. Statistical analysis was performed as recommended by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. RIs for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB), main corpuscular volume (MCV), main corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), main corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red distribution widht (RDW), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leukocytes count, PLT, Albumin, Total Protein, Urea, Creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for each of the 5 breeds were performed, and significant differences with the established RIs were detected. We found significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. New RIs for HCT, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine, AST, and ALT are provided for at least 1 breed. Breed-specific RIs for adult hunting dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in these breeds.

Breed-specific reference intervals for assessing thyroid function in seven dog breeds

Thyroxine (T4), free T4 (FT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were measured in serum from 693 healthy representatives from 7 dog breeds (Alaskan Malamute, Collie, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Keeshond, Samoyed, or Siberian Husky) to determine whether breed-specific reference intervals (RIs) are warranted. Veterinarians reviewed the health history, performed a physical examination, and approved laboratory data for the enrolled dogs. Many purebred dogs had T4 and FT4 concentrations that were at, or below, the lower limits previously determined for non–breed-specific RIs. Mean concentrations of T4, FT4, and TSH varied significantly among breeds. The range of mean concentration of T4 (19.7 nmol/L [1.53 µg/dL] in English Setters to 29.0 nmol/L [2.25 µg/dL] in Keeshonds) and FT4 (12.6 pmol/L [0.98 ng/dL] in English Setters to 20.2 pmol/L [1.57 ng/dL] in Samoyeds) was considerable. Median TSH values ranged from 6.10 mIU/L (0.07 ng/mL; Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever) to 17.6 mIU/L (0.26 ng/mL; Collie). Mean T4 and FT4 concentrations were higher in females. Increasing age was associated with decreasing T4 and FT4, and increasing TSH concentration. The substantial ranges across breeds of measures of central tendency (mean, median) for all hormones indicate that breed-specific RIs are warranted. RIs encompassing the central 95% of reference values for all breeds combined, and for individual breeds, were calculated using nonparametric (TSH) and robust (T4, FT4) methods. Use of breed-specific RIs in combination with careful attention to the potential for pre-analytical and analytical variability in test results will improve thyroid function assessment in these breeds.

Lipid profile and thyroid hormone status in the last trimester of pregnancy in single-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Changes in lipid metabolism have been shown to occur during pregnancy. The thyroid hormones affect lipid metabolism. The present study was carried out to find out whether the last trimester of pregnancy affects thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), lipid, and lipoprotein profile in healthy dromedary camels. Twenty clinical healthy dromedary camels aged between 4-5 years were divided into two equal groups: (1) pregnant camels in their last trimester of pregnancy and (2) non-pregnant age-matched controls. Thyroid function tests were carried out by measuring serum levels of TSH, free thyroxin (fT4), total thyroxin (T4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and total triiodothyronine (T3) by commercially available radio immunoassay kits. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed using enzymatic/spectrophotometric methods while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and total lipid (TL) were calculated using Friedewald's and Raylander's formula, respectively. Serum levels of TSH and thyroid hormones except fT4 did not show any significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant camels. fT4 level was lower in the pregnant camels (P < 0.05). Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and VLDL did not show significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant camels. All of these variables in pregnant camels were higher than non-pregnant. Based on the results of this study, the fetus load may not alter the thyroid status of the camel and the concentrations of thyroid hormones were not correlated with TSH and lipid profile levels in the healthy pregnant camels.