Laboratory profile of malnutrition in hospitalized dogs

Malnutrition occurs when the supply of available nutrients is less than organic demand. It an underdiagnosed problem in veterinary medicine and can result several negative metabolic consequences, with greater morbidity mortality. Currently, classification nutritional status (NS) performed subjectively medicine, so studies discoveries about laboratory markers (objectives) malnutrition are desirable. This study evaluated correlations between variables (practical low-cost measurements) 246 dogs from a school hospital southern Brazil. In this way, profile population evident. NS was classified by body condition score (BCS) muscle mass (MMS). A patient considered to be malnourished if BCS 3 (values 1 9). The analyzed were hemogram, cholesterol, total protein (TP), albumin, C-reactive (CRP), CRP/albumin ratio, iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin (TF), saturation index (TSI), transthyretin. means standard deviations variables, correlation analyses, comparative analyses (Kruskal-Wallis ? = 5%) calculated. research aimed identify objective practical that help elaboration protocol for evaluation diseased dogs. Low values TF, TIBC, TP, TSI elevation indicative malnutrition. Additionally, cholesterol albuminemia not good systemic diseases. For graduation inflammatory state (important differentiate hypoproteinemia malnutrition), it more reliable measure ratio. Canine transthyretin cannot measured reagents designed humans, such as those used study. possible conclude indicators sick include low anemia, elevations TSI. joint changes these gradually reinforced diagnosis.