2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

We conclude that, independent of their number, the presence of parasites of the genera Isospora spp. can lead to increased fecal S100A12 concentrations, whereas Toxocara canis, Giardia sp., and the viral pathogens CCV and CPV do not affect fecal S100A12 results in these puppies. Thus, an infection with Isospora spp. appears to be an important differential for dogs with an increased fecal S100A12 concentration. Such an etiology needs to be ruled out prior to using fecal S100A12 concentration as a marker for the diagnosis/monitoring of patients with chronic GI inflammation. The association between fecal score and S100A12 levels and its clinical implication, and whether the current results translate to those in adult dogs, warrant further research. Canine-specific pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) is considered the most specific serum biomarker for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs. It has been reported that 4 weeks of oral administration of prednisone (2.2 mg/kg, q 24 h) to 6 dogs did not significantly affect serum cPLI concentrations (Steiner et al, 2009 ). However, the effect of long-term exogenous glucocorticoid administration with or without azathioprine on cPLI concentration is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prolonged exogenous glucocorticoid administration with or without azathioprine alters the cPLI concentration in dogs with immune-mediated disease.