Reliability of carnitine concentrations measured in single postprandial urine samples from dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reliability of urine carnitine concentrations measured in single postprandial samples, compared with carnitine concentrations measured in 24-hour urine samples.

ANIMALS

19 healthy Beagles.

PROCEDURE

After emptying the urinary bladder by catheterization, dogs were fed a canned canine maintenance diet. Approximately 8 hours later, urine, plasma, and serum samples were obtained for determination of urinary carnitine fractional excretion and urine carnitine-to-creatinine concentration ratio. Results were compared with 24-hour urinary carnitine excretion rate.

RESULTS

Fractional excretion of carnitine and urine carnitine-to-creatinine ratios correlated poorly with 24-hour urinary carnitine excretion.

CONCLUSION

Determination of 24-hour urinary carnitine excretion is recommended to measure urine carnitine concentrations in dogs.