2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Blood samples were collected from 7 healthy control dogs and 8 dogs with primary genetic epilepsy. Serum was evaluated for concentrations of copper, selenium, zinc, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, and iron using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Mann U Whitney tests were used to compare normal and epileptic dog serum levels of the trace nutrient. A significantly higher level of copper (P = 0.006), selenium (P = 0.018), and manganese (P = 0.017) were found in epileptic dogs compared to normal dogs. No significant differences were found in levels of zinc (P = 0.64), cobalt (P = 0.82), molybdenum (P = 0.60), or iron (P = 0.95). These results suggest that there are differences in the concentrations of some trace nutrients in epileptic dogs compared to normal dogs, which warrants further investigation. Previous studies identified associations of Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) and hyperglycemia with survival in veterinary patients with head trauma. Lactate is the product of anaerobic glycolysis, and hyperlactatemia has classically been associated with decreased tissue perfusion. Some studies in dogs with various diseases, including trauma, have showed that higher initial lactate concentration in dogs is associated with increased risk of mortality. The main aim of this study is to determine if elevated serum lactate following head trauma in dogs and cats is associated with mortality and whether the degree of hyperlactatemia corresponds with clinical outcome.