2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Sixteen client-owned dogs with newly diagnosed immune-mediated disease were enrolled between October 2012 and October 2014. Dogs with clinical signs of pancreatitis (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia) during the study period, increased cPLI (SPEC cPL test, SPEC) concentration at presentation, or prednisolone administration just prior to referral were excluded. Prednisolone dosage was started at 2 to 2.2 mg/kg/day, and thereafter gradually decreased every 2 to 4 weeks. Azathioprine dosage was started and maintained at 2 mg/kg/day during the study period. Pre-and post-treatment sera at revisits were obtained for serial measurement of SPEC. Peak SPEC concentration during the study period was recorded. Results of peak SPEC concentrations were categorized as normal (< 200 lg/L), questionable (200-400 lg/L), and abnormal (> 400 lg/L). Serial measurements of SPEC concentrations were stopped when SPEC concentration exceeds the upper measureable limit (1000 lg/L), or when SPEC concentration decreased from the previous revisit, or when prednisolone dosage administered was less than 0.5 mg/kg, q 24 h. Dosage of prednisolone at the time of peak SPEC concentration in each dog was also recorded. Comparison of peak SPEC concentrations between prednisolone alone (Pred) group and prednisolone with azathioprine (Pred+Aza) group was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Comparison of dosages of prednisolone between Pred and Pred+Aza group was performed using Student's t-test.