Changes in serum carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen in an experimental model of canine osteomyelitis.

Blood biochemical indices of bone turnover were followed up for 1 month in six dogs with experimental osteomyelitis. The bone infection resulted in significant increase in parameters of bone formation (serum bone alkaline phosphatase and serum osteocalcin) and bone resorption [serum carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (i-ICTP)] as early as the end of the second week after the operation and inoculation. There was strong evidence that serum i-ICTP levels could be useful for the early diagnosis of postoperative complications in veterinary orthopedics, such as posttraumatic osteomyelitis.