Serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Abstract

Background: Dogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) have compromised intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Production of D-lactate by enteric bacteria may directly reflect disease severity or contribute to metabolic acid-base status in these dogs. Hypothesis: Serum D-lactate concentration will be increased in CPV dogs compared to healthy controls and correlate with markers of disease severity and acid-base status. Animals: Dogs with CPV undergoing treatment (n = 40) and healthy control dogs (n = 9). Methods: Prospective observational study. Dogs with CPV had a baseline and daily CBC, venous blood gas with serum electrolyte concentrations, composite clinical severity score, and serum D-lactate concentration performed. A single serum D-lactate measurement was obtained from healthy control dogs. Results: The CPV dogs had a higher D-lactate concentration (mean ± SD) of 469 ± 173 μM compared to controls, 306 ± 45 μM (P <4 days had lower baseline D-lactate concentrations compared to those hospitalized ≥4 days (400 ± 178 μM versus 520 ± 152 μM; P =.03). No sustained correlation over time between serum D-lactate concentration and clinical severity score or recorded acid-base results. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum D-lactate concentrations are higher in dogs with CPV compared to healthy controls but do not appear to be clinically relevant. No relationship identified between serum D-lactate concentrations and markers of CPV disease severity, acid-base status, or outcome.