Abstract:
OBJECTIVES - To compare serum concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) in dogs fitting
the criteria for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and healthy dogs,
and compare these values to commonly measured B-vitamins.
METHODS – Study dogs were classified into noninfectious SIRS or sepsis groups and
blood was drawn on Day 1 of the patient’s hospitalization for the measurement of Hcy,
folate and cobalamin concentrations. Hcy was measured in 51 clinically normal dogs to
serve as the control group.
RESULTS - A statistically significant difference was found between the Hcy
concentrations of the healthy group when compared to noninfectious SIRS and sepsis
groups. Hcy values were not correlated with folate, cobalamin or APPLEfast severity
scores. Hcy concentrations were significantly lower in sick dogs when compared to the
control group, which is dissimilar to the human population.
CLINICAL SIGNIFCANCE - The clinical significance of Hcy changes in critically ill dogs is
currently unknown.
