Preliminary Data on Biomarkers for Selenium Status in Dogs

The study investigated biomarkers for selenium (Se) adequacy in adult dogs by feeding two groups of dogs diets with adequate and low Se content over 8 weeks. The research found that urinary Se:creatinine ratio and serum Se concentration were sensitive indicators of Se intake, with significant differences observed from the first week. Serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels responded more quickly to changes in Se intake than whole blood GPx, showing significant differences after 6 weeks. Other parameters, including T3:T4 ratio, creatine kinase, copper, mRNA expression, and hair growth, did not show significant differences between diet types. The study concluded that urinary Se excretion and serum Se were the most sensitive biomarkers for assessing Se intake in dogs.