Increase of serum lipid-associated sialic acid concentration in dogs with neoplasms.

Serum concentrations of lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA) were determined in sera obtained from 26 apparently healthy dogs (group 1), 56 dogs with nonneoplastic disorders (group 2), and 100 dogs with neoplasms (benign [group 3], malignant [group 4]), using a simple, reliable, rapid spectrophotometric procedure. The LASA concentrations were significantly increased (P less than 0.01) in group 4 dogs (malignant neoplasms) when compared with those in dogs from groups 1, 2, and 3. The sensitivity of the test was between 71.5% and 100%, and specificity was 92.3% for group 1, 67.8% for group 2, and 80.6% for group 3. A preliminary study concerning variations of serum LASA values as a marker after surgical treatment of tumor showed a good correlation between effectiveness of therapy and serum LASA concentrations.