Serum acute phase protein concentrations in dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Abstract

Background: Serial monitoring of acute phase protein (APP) concentrations in canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has not been reported. Hypotheses: Acute canine AIHA is accompanied by an acute phase response (APR) characterized by increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and a1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) concentrations and decreased albumin concentrations. Animals: Twenty-seven dogs with AIHA and 11 control dogs. Methods: Prospective, cohort study. CRP, AAG, and albumin concentrations, white blood cell (WBC) count, and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined at admission (day 1), every 48 hours until death or discharge, and on days 30, 90, 180, and 365. Results: Compared with controls, CRP and AAG concentrations were increased and albumin concentration was decreased in dogs with AIHA (days 1-7; P.05). APP concentrations on day 1 were not predictive of survival, duration of hospitalization, or number of blood transfusions (P =.153-.940). PCV correlated with APP concentrations over time (CRP r =.600, AAG r =.665, albumin r =.533; P