Low serum folate concentrations in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

Zoia, A., Morris, J. S. , Drigo, M., Ventura, L. and McBrearty, A. R. (2022) Low serum folate concentrations in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Veterinary Record, 190(7), e946. (doi: 10.1002/vetr.946) (PMID:34580882)

Abstract

Background: Folate deficiency in people can occur in conditions causing increased demand, including haemolytic anaemia. This has not been investigated in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). Methods: Cohort study of 15 dogs with non-associative IMHA. Haematocrit (HCT) and serum folate concentrations were measured at presentation and each subsequent venipuncture performed for monitoring. The relationship between serum folate concentrations and HCT was investigated using linear and logistic mixed-effects regression models and in paired samples using a one-tailed paired t-test. Results: Low serum folate concentrations occurred in five of 15 dogs. In 126 samples, a significant positive relationship was found between HCT and corresponding serum folate concentrations. A significant relationship was found between dichotomised folate concentrations (below the reference interval or within/above the reference interval) and HCT and between serum folate concentrations and dichotomised HCT (less than or equal/above 0.30 L/L). For paired samples (available in eight dogs), the mean serum folate concentration of samples with the lowest HCT was significantly lower than that of samples in which the HCT first exceeded 0.30 L/L. Conclusions: Low serum folate concentrations were observed in some dogs with non-associative IMHA. Further studies are needed to determine the cause and investigate whether folate supplementation would be beneficial.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McBrearty, Dr Alix and Morris, Professor Joanna
• Authors: Zoia, A., Morris, J. S., Drigo, M., Ventura, L., and McBrearty, A. R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0042-4900
• ISSN (Online): 2042-7670
• Published Online: 27 September 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 British Veterinary Association
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Record 190(7): e946
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy