The intent of this research is to identify a simple diagnostic test to detect abnormal calciuresis and predict calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolith presence in Miniature Schnauzers. We investigated the impact of postprandial time on the specificity of urine calcium:creatine (UCa/Cr) in identifying affected dogs.
The hypotheses were: 1) Significant differences exist in fasted and postprandial UCa/Cr between urolith-forming and control schnauzers. 2) UCa/Cr increases significantly from fasted baseline at one or more postprandial time point(s).
Urine samples were collected from Miniature Schnauzers with (urolith-formers) and without (controls) CaOx uroliths in a fasted state and 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours after feeding a standardized diet. The change in UCa/Cr from baseline was calculated for each postprandial time. Urolithiasis status and the time point were assessed for impact on the UCa/Cr and change in UCa/Cr using a mixed model ANOVA.
Based on 9 urolith-forming and 15 control dogs enrolled, urolith-forming Miniature Schnauzers have significantly higher mean UCa/Cr at 1 hour and 8 hours postprandial timepoints indicating altered calciuresis. The change in UCa/Cr was not significant at any post-prandial time point between or within groups.
This pilot study shows male urolith-forming Miniature Schnauzers have excessive calciuresis throughout the day, providing insight into the mechanism behind their formation of CaOx uroliths. If using the Ca/Cr ratio, the postprandial sampling time is not critical. This simple urine measurement has potential as a marker of urolith presence and possibly risk of urolith formation. / Master of Science / Calcium oxalate urinary stones are a frequently encountered problem in Veterinary Medicine, as they have an increased incidence amongst several popular dog breeds; the Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle and Dachshund. These stones are a significant source of pain for affected dogs and financial strain for pet owners. The causes of calcium oxalate urinary stone formation are not fully known, but increased urinary calcium has been identified in affected dogs. We are quantifying calcium excretion by performing a measurement called urine calcium to creatinine ratio (UCa/Cr). The hypothesis of this research is that the UCa/Cr will be significantly greater in stone-forming dogs than non-stone forming dogs (controls). The second hypothesis is that the difference between the two groups will be even greater in the hours after feeding.
This findings of this study show that Miniature Schnauzers that form calcium oxalate urinary stones have significantly higher mean UCa/Cr than control dogs at multiple points throughout the day. The change in UCa:Ca over the day was not significant. The UCa/Cr proved to be a simply cost-effective biomarker to identify Miniature Schnauzers who may be at risk for CaOx urinary stone formation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/83768 |
| Date | 25 June 2018 |
| Creators | Carr, Susan Venn |
| Contributors | Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Grant, David C., Demonaco, Stefanie, Shepherd, Megan Leigh |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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