Detection of serum alpha-fetoprotein in dogs with hepatic tumors.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was detected by use of 2 commercially available kits containing antibodies to human AFP--a radioimmunoassay and an enzymetric test. Using neonatal canine serum (a source high in AFP), it was determined that reagents from both kits were able to bind to canine AFP, but a significant difference was detected in AFP concentration. The enzymetric test was superior in detecting canine AFP. Sera from dogs were classified into 6 groups: from dogs with primary hepatic tumors only (group 1); from dogs with primary hepatic tumors and other tumors (group 2); from dogs with normal liver but with other types of neoplasia (group 3); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease and tumors originating in other organs (group 4); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease only (group 5); and from clinically normal dogs (group 6). Serum biochemical determinations (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, and serum bile acids) and values from the 2 AFP assays were obtained for all dogs. Serum AFP concentration detected by the enzymetric test was significantly higher in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Values greater than 250 ng/ml were detected in 5 of 9 dogs with cholangiocarcinoma and in 3 of 4 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma. High serum AFP concentration also was indicative of liver involvement in 2 of 3 dogs with primary hepatic lymphosarcoma; 2 dogs had values greater than 225 ng/ml. Serum AFP concentration in dogs with other types of hepatic tumors was less than 250 ng/ml, and serum AFP concentration could not be correlated with such tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)