Evaluation of serum thyroid hormones in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis

To determine whether dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis have derangements in serum thyroid hormone concentrations and to evaluate whether such derangements relate to illness severity or outcome.

Prospective observational study. Dogs hospitalized with SIRS or sepsis between May and December 2010 were included. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured in all dogs. Data obtained on admission were used to calculate the Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) scores.

University teaching hospital.

Twenty-two consecutive client-owned dogs hospitalized with SIRS or sepsis were enrolled; 18 dogs completed the study and 4 dogs were excluded for incomplete data. Forty-nine healthy dogs owned by volunteers were used as controls.

None.

Decreased total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations were documented in all septic and 7/9 dogs with SIRS. Free T4 concentrations were decreased, but were within the reference interval in 12/18 dogs with SIRS or sepsis compared to control dogs (P < 0.001). Dogs with increased APPLE(fast) scores were less likely to survive (P = 0.017).

Dogs with SIRS or sepsis have derangements in measured serum thyroid hormones. No relationships were identified between thyroid hormone concentrations and survival. The APPLE(fast) score was the only variable predictive of poor outcome.