What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine how often dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have high levels of C-reactive protein.

April 6, 2026Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine0 citationsOpen Access

Frequency of abnormal C-reactive protein concentrations in blood of dogs with hypoadrenocorticism

MTMiranda X. TongMurdoch University TJTiarni L JohnstonGovernment of Western Australia CMCarmel T MooneyUniversity College Dublin

Key Points

To determine how often dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have high levels of C-reactive protein.
Retrospective review of medical records from 51 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.
Dogs grouped by presence of inflammatory disease and electrolyte abnormalities.
Comparison of C-reactive protein concentrations among different groups.
75% of the dogs had C-reactive protein levels above 10 mg/L.
Median C-reactive protein concentration was 52.5 mg/L.
No significant differences in C-reactive protein levels between dogs with or without inflammatory diseases or electrolyte abnormalities.

Abstract

Abstract Background C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in serum or plasma is high in humans during adrenal crisis due to multiple mechanisms, however, the frequency and clinical relevance of high CRP concentrations in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism are unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine the frequency of high CRP concentrations in serum or plasma of dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. We hypothesized that CRP concentrations are commonly above reference limit in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism with and without inflammatory comorbidities. Animals Fifty-one dogs with hypoadrenocorticism presented to 2 referral centers between 2017 and 2023. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs diagnosed with and presenting for illness due to hypoadrenocorticism. Dogs were grouped according to identification of a concurrent inflammatory disease at the time of diagnosis, and whether electrolyte abnormalities were present. C-reactive protein concentrations were compared between groups. Results Fifty-one dogs were included. C-reactive protein concentration in serum or plasma was above 10 mg/L in 38 of 51 (75%) cases. Median CRP concentration was 52.5 mg/L (range 8-191.4); this was not significantly different between dogs with (n = 14) or without (n = 37) a known inflammatory comorbidity (54.25 8.0-191.4 and 44.0 8-180.8 mg/L, respectively, P = .35), or between dogs with (n = 32) or without (n = 13) electrolyte abnormalities (48.25 8.0-180.8 and 63.0 8.0-191.4 mg/L, respectively, P = .51). Conclusions and clinical importance High CRP concentrations in serum or plasma were frequently identified in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, including dogs without recognized inflammatory comorbidities. Hypoadrenocorticism should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases with high CRP concentrations and vague clinical signs. Extensive investigations for high CRP concentrations in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism might not be necessary without other supporting evidence of an inflammatory comorbidity.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper