ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential association between signalment, history and physical examination findings and elevated renal and hepatic blood values before non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration in dogs. Secondary objectives were to investigate clinicopathologic differences between dogs that were and were not prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 81 dogs that underwent renal and hepatic blood value screening before drug administration via a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug blood panel were reviewed retrospectively. Patient signalment, history and physical examination findings were recorded. RESULTS: Six (7%) dogs had an elevated blood urea nitrogen, 2 (2%) dogs had an elevated creatinine, 24 (30%) dogs had an elevated alanine aminotransferase, 29 (36%) had an elevated aspartate aminotransferase and 14 (17%) had an elevated alkaline phosphatase. Forty-five (56%) dogs had an elevation in at least 1 renal or hepatic blood value. Dogs less than 8 years of age and with a longer duration of clinical signs were less likely to have an elevated renal or hepatic blood value. Dogs with elevated hepatic blood values were less likely to be prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; however, this was not true for elevated renal parameters alone. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this preliminary study suggest that blood value screening before non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration may be important for dogs greater than 8 years of age. Hepatic enzyme elevations may play a greater role in clinical decision making in comparison to renal parameters.
