Serum C-reactive protein typically increases at 24 hours postoperatively and then tends to decrease in a majority of dogs following uncomplicated digestive surgery.

Abstract

Objective: To determine serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during a short postoperative course in dogs following uncomplicated digestive surgery.

Methods: Dogs that underwent uncomplicated digestive surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes were prospectively enrolled in this monocentric study from August 31, 2023, to August 31, 2024. Blood CRP concentrations were measured the day prior to surgery and then every 24 hours until day 3 to determine CRP variations in the short-term postoperative period. Physical examination was performed twice daily in each dog until discharge, and abdominal ultrasounds were systematically performed at 48 hours postoperatively to assess the surgical site and monitor for any signs of digestive dehiscence.

Results: 27 client-owned dogs met the inclusion criteria. Surgical procedures included enterotomy, gastrotomy, and/or resection anastomosis. Median CRP concentrations at the preoperative period and 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively were 88 mg/L (IQR, 100.7 mg/L), 175.6 mg/L (IQR, 79.2 mg/L), 106 mg/L (IQR, 67.8 mg/L), and 87.3 mg/L (IQR, 50.5 mg/L), respectively, and were above the reference intervals. All values were significantly different from each other at each time point, except between the preoperative period and 48 and 72 hours postoperatively. C-reactive protein values showed a rapid elevation on the first day peaking at 24 hours postoperatively in 81.5% of dogs and decreased rapidly in patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Conclusions: Elevations in CRP levels were expected during a normal postoperative course, typically peaking on the first day in the majority of dogs, and decreased rapidly.

Clinical relevance: This study established the evolution of serum CRP concentrations in dogs following uncomplicated digestive surgeries.