Serum α-1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in 26 dogs with pyometra.

BACKGROUND

The acute phase protein, α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), has been proposed to have a role in immunomodulation and to be a nonspecific antimicrobial agent. We suggest that AGP may be increased in dogs with pyometra and possibly to a greater extent in dogs also manifesting signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to evaluate serum AGP concentrations in dogs diagnosed with pyometra compared with clinically healthy female dogs and to determine if AGP concentrations were correlated with severity of disease.

METHODS

Twenty-six dogs with pyometra and 18 clinically healthy intact female dogs were included in this prospective study. A diagnosis of pyometra was verified by histopathologic examination after ovariohysterectomy in the pyometra group. A commercially available single radial immunodiffusion test was used for AGP analysis. Clinical findings, laboratory variables, and hospitalization times were compared.

RESULTS

Mean AGP concentration in dogs with pyometra (1943 ± 913 mg/L, mean ± SD), was significantly higher (P<.001) than in healthy dogs (495 ± 204 mg/L). Mean AGP concentration in dogs in the pyometra group with (n=18) or without (n=8) SIRS did not differ. Animals with a prolonged hospital stay had higher AGP concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyometra was associated with increased serum concentrations of the acute phase protein AGP. AGP concentrations were associated with severity of disease as measured by duration of hospitalization. As AGP binds basic drugs, further studies of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic propreties in cases of pyometra may be of clinical interest.