Preliminary investigation of urine N-telopeptide concentration as a biomarker of bone resorption in dogs receiving glucocorticoids

Objectives: The influence of glucocorticoid therapy on bone resorption in dogs using a urine N-telopeptide assay was investigated.

Materials and methods: Thirty-one dogs receiving oral glucocorticoids and 31 age-matched healthy control dogs were enrolled. Urine N-telopeptide concentration was measured using a commercially available immunoassay and results were expressed as a ratio against urinary creatinine concentration. Dogs receiving glucocorticoids were divided into three subgroups based on daily glucocorticoid dose and three subgroups based on treatment duration. Urine N-telopeptide concentration was then compared between groups.

Results: Urine N-telopeptide concentration was significantly higher in dogs receiving glucocorticoids compared to the control group.

Clinical significance: This preliminary study demonstrates significant increase in urine N-telopeptide concentration in dogs receiving glucocorticoid therapy compared to control dogs. Further studies are needed to assess whether this increase in urine N-telopeptide concentration correlates with decreases in bone mineral density as has been identified in humans.