Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A, and M in dogs with neoplastic disease.

The concentrations of the three major classes of immunoglobulins (Ig) were determined in canine serum by single radial immunodiffusion against calibrated standards. Serum samples were collected from 121 dogs categorized into 3 groups: normal dogs (n = 34), those with lymphosarcoma (n =41), and those with malignant, solid neoplasms other than lymphosarcoma (n = 46). The mean value for serum IgM concentration in the group of dogs with lymphosarcoma was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.02) higher than was the mean IgM concentration of the normal dogs. Dogs with neoplasms other than lymphosarcoma had significantly increased serum concentrations of IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no significant difference in serum IgA concentration among the three groups. A wide range of Ig concentrations was in the serum of clinically normal dogs, as well as in dogs with neoplastic diseases. Although individual dogs with neoplasms had low serum Ig concentrations, the 81 dogs with neoplastic disease were generally able to synthesize Ig.

Potassium requirement of kittens as affected by dietary protein.

The dietary potassium requirements of weaning kittens given basal diets containing either a "normal" (33%) or "high" (68%) level of protein were determined. Potassium as KHCO3 was added to give concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% for the 33% protein diet and 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6% for the 68% protein diet. Excluding the highest concentrations of potassium used, body weight gains within diets were positively and linearly related to potassium concentration. Within both levels of dietary protein, concentration of potassium is plasma was linearly related to dietary potassium; however, for the same dietary potassium concentrations, kittens receiving the high protein diet had lower concentrations of potassium in plasma than kittens given he normal protein diet. Body weight gains were greater for kittens given the 68% protein diets than those receiving the 33% protein diet. The dietary potassium requirements of kittens were estimated as being in the range of 0.3% to 0.5% for 33% and 68% protein diets.