Abstract
Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured in 207 normal and 442 diseased dogs by means of laser nephelometric immunoassay developed for private use in canines and already commercially available. The measurements determined the canine plasma CRP cut-off value as 1.0 mg/dl. So far, no differences related to breed, age, or sex have been noted. Abnormally high CRP values were observed in dogs with various acute generalized infectious diseases, immune-mediated or allergic diseases, tumors, endocrine or metabolic diseases, uremia, and other inflammatory diseases or traumas. Normal or low CRP values, however, were observed in various non-inflammatory diseases or focal or chronic inflammatory diseases. Measurement of CRP by serial repetition was found to be an essential tool in assessing therapeutic effects and in prognosticating. In addition, it can be useful as a better marker of inflammation than white-blood-cell counts.
