BackgroundBoth elevated homocysteine and decreased folic acid concentrations are observed in human patients with hypothyroidism and can influence the development of numerous secondary disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess total homocysteine concentration in serum and to examine its relationship with the concentration of folic acid and thyroid hormones (tT4 and fT4).AnimalsTen healthy and 19 hypothyroid client‐owned dogs.MethodsDogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism had the diagnosis confirmed by additional tests. Total homocysteine, folic acid, total thyroxine, and free thyroxine concentrations in serum were evaluated.ResultsHypothyroid dogs were diagnosed with increased homocysteine (median 22.20 μmol/L; range, 16.50–37.75) and decreased folic acid (median 20.62 nmol/L; range, 10.54–26.35) concentrations, as compared to healthy dogs (11.52 μmol/L; range, 10.00–16.65 and 30.68 nmol/L; range, 22.84–38.52, respectively). In sick dogs, total homocysteine was inversely correlated with folic acid (ρ = −0.47, P < 0.001), total thyroxine (ρ = −0.69, P = 0.0092), and free thyroxine (ρ = −0.56, P = 0.0302).ConclusionsHypothyroidism in dogs causes hyperhomocysteinemia. Concomitant mild folic acid decrease in hypothyroid dogs might be as a result of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Laboratory blood tests are not only an important element of the assessment of the general condition of animals, but they are also important for the early diagnosis of many diseases. In modern buiatrics laboratory tests are most frequently limited to the analysis of metabolic profiles, using selected biochemical tests. This reductionist approach results from economic reasons and ignores the possibility of using haematological tests, often limiting the possibility of a certain diagnosis. Haematology (Greek αιµα [ema] -blood) concerns the issues related to blood and the haematopoietic system, which is the first to respond to any disruptions in intrabody homeostasis. These changes guide the veterinarian in the search for a diagnosis and are indispensable in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Haematology can also be useful in managing a herd of cattle. In this article, the most recent data regarding the use of blood screening in livestock and the prophylaxis and treatment of dairy cattle are presented. The article presents the possibilities of using haematology in diagnostics, therapy and in the raising of dairy cattle. The most common causes of changes in haematological parameters in cattle are also discussed.
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