Using C-reactive protein to monitor inflammation in dogs with arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Mads Kjelgaard-Hansen, Asger Lundorff Jensen, Geoffrey A. Houser, Lisbeth Rem Jessen, Annemarie T. Kristensen
Primary Institution: The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Hypothesis
Canine C-reactive protein (CRP) can serve as an unbiased marker of inflammatory activity during steroid treatment in dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis.
Conclusion
CRP is suggested as a valuable unbiased marker of inflammatory activity during steroid treatment in dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- CRP measurements could provide clinically useful information superior to that of CBC and clinical observations.
- High CRP concentrations were observed at the start of treatment, indicating inflammation.
- CRP levels increased during relapses of clinical signs, suggesting its role in monitoring disease activity.
Takeaway
This study looked at a dog with arthritis and found that measuring a protein called CRP can help doctors see how much inflammation is happening, even when the dog is on steroids.
Methodology
The study involved serial measurements of canine serum CRP concentration during a 27-week follow-up of a dog with type II immune-mediated polyarthritis.
Potential Biases
The white blood cell count and neutrophil count were adversely biased by steroid treatment, making them unreliable indicators of disease activity.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
A 9-year old, female English Springer Spaniel.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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