Diagnostic importance of deoxypyridinoline and osteocalcine in equine osteoarthritis

Abstract

In this study, deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and osteocalcine (OC), which has been considered as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for joint disease in man and dog, was measured in urine from horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Serum and urinary assays of bone markers provide a noninvasive alternative to bone biopsy in the study of bone metabolism in horses. No significant differences in serum osteocalcine were found in either group. However, significant diferences were found in deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio between normal and OA urine. They may be useful in the monitoring of therapy and prognosis in horses with osteoarthritis. The measurement of collagen crosslink, deoxypyridinoline is comparatively more specific to monitor bone resorption. This article reviews the use of different bone markers in veterinary medicine and the possibilities for diagnosing and preventing bone diseases of horses.