Acute-Phase Protein Concentrations Following Uncomplicated Total Hip Arthroplasty in Dogs

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following joint replacement surgery (JRS) in dogs is a devastating complication. In humas, measuring acute phase proteins (APPs) is a reliable diagnostic tool for PJIs following JRS. The objective of this study is to establish pre- and post-operative C reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in dogs undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized APP concentrations would return to the pre-operative levels following THA by 3-months postoperatively.

Materials and Methods: Client owned dogs undergoing THA were recruited. Serum samples for CRP and SAA levels were obtained the day prior to surgery, 3- and 6-months post-operatively. For enzyme-linked immunoassay (EI), samples were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Continuous, numeric non-parametric data were summarized as median and IQR. Changes in APPs over time were reported as a percentage change from preoperative values.

Results: Median CRP concentrations in the pre-operative, 3-month, and 6-month period were 4,554 ng/dL (IQR-1,227.5–12,273.5), 1,081 ng/dL (IQR-360.5–2,577), and 584 ng/dL, respectively. Median SAA concentrations in the pre-operative, 3-month, and 6-month period were 81.1 ng/dL (IQR-61.1–141–6), 86.8 ng/dL (IQR-54.1–154.4), and 180.2 ng/dL, respectively. Median decrease of 67% (IQR-42–8-87.4) and 78% of CRP concentrations was seen at 3- and 6-months post-operatively when compared with pre-operative values, respectively.

Discussion/Conclusion: Pre-operative CRP levels for dogs undergoing THA decreased from pre-operative levels at 3- and 6-months post-operatively. Lower CRP levels following uncomplicated THA may reflect a decreased inflammatory state in dogs with severe or clinical CHD. APP concentrations in dogs with PJIs may deviate from the baselines established here.

Acknowledgements: The authors do not have any potential conflicts of interest to declare. This study was funded by the ACVS Foundation Diplomate Clinical Research Grant.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022