2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Serum IL-17 was measured in thirty dogs with primary IMHA at diagnosis (D0); and 2 (D2) and 4 (D4) days after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy as well as in 25 clinically healthy dogs. IL-17 was significantly increased at the time of presentation (D0) in dogs with IMHA (P = 0.0158) compared to healthy dogs as well at D2 (P = 0.0404). Over the course of hospitalization, IL-17 significantly decreased between D0 and D2 (P = 0.0146) and D0 and D4 (P = 0.0010) for the discharged patients (N = 19) . No changes in IL-17 levels were observed between D0, D2 and D4 among the dogs that were euthanized in hospital. There was no correlation between IL-17 concentration and bilirubin levels, lactate or any of the CBC parameters at the time of presentation or throughout the hospitalization. IL-17 is elevated in dogs with IMHA and seems to decrease when response to therapy is observed. Oxidative stress plays a considerable role in the pathophysiology of multiple diseases and has been well documented as a contributor to disease in both the human and veterinary literature. Oxidative stress results from the production of reactive oxygen species that cause cellular injury through direct and indirect mechanisms. One at-risk cell type is the erythrocyte, however, the role of oxidative stress in canine anemia has not been investigated. Oxidative stress is primarily assessed through the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the concentration of endogenous antioxidants, and byproducts of oxidative damage. The purpose of this study was to determine if oxidative stress is present in anemic dogs. We hypothesized that anemic dogs would have an alteration in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a reduction of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and an increased concentration of urinary F2-isoprostanes (F2IsoP, a byproduct of lipid peroxidation) when compared to healthy dogs.