Biomarkers versus duplex ultrasonography for early detection of acute kidney injury in dogs: An experimental study

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in dogs and is associated with high mortality. Early recognition of AKI is lifesaving and could help in clinical management. The purpose of this experimental study was to identify the accurate biomarkers for early detection of AKI in dogs. Ten healthy mongrel dogs (7 females, 3 males) were used in a crossover experimental study. Cisplatin (5 mg/kg BW) was used for induction of AKI. Serum urea and creatinine, as well as serum Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Bicarbonate, were measured spectrophotometrically using commercial kits. However, urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) were determined using ELISA. Renal Resistive Index (RI) was calculated using Doppler ultrasound (duplex). All examinations were carried out on the same day of induction and for other 4 consecutive days. Post-mortem and histopathological examinations were carried out on two dogs. Using the repeated measure MANOVA and student T-test, the data were statistically analyzed. There were significant increases of both serum urea and creatinine beginning from the second day of infusion, while renal RI was significantly increase beginning from the third day of infusion. There are marked changes in serum electrolytes including hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyponatremia with metabolic alkalosis. However, urinary NGAL showed a non- significant increase during the experiment. It can be concluded that renal RI can be used for early diagnosis of acute renal injury in dogs.