Biomarkers of Selenium Status in Dogs

The study investigated the effectiveness of various biomarkers in assessing selenium (Se) status in 24 adult Labrador retrievers over an 8-week period. Dogs on a low Se diet showed significant decreases in urinary Se to creatinine ratio (84%) and serum Se concentration (7%) from week 1 onwards, and serum and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels significantly dropped from weeks 6 and 8. Other biomarkers, including mRNA expression, serum copper, creatine kinase, triiodothyronine:thyroxine ratio, and hair growth, did not show significant changes. The study concluded that urinary Se to creatinine ratio, serum Se, and serum and whole blood GPx are effective early biomarkers for assessing Se status in dogs.