Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in canine spinal cord appears in the cerebrospinal fluid associated with intervertebral disc herniation.

Study Design: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from dogs with intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) were analyzed using a specific antibody against cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Immunolocalization and genetic expression of COMP were also examined in the spinal cords of mouse, rat, and dog.

Objective: To investigate the hypothesis that COMP is present in CSF of dogs with IVDH, and the clinical relevance of COMP expression in CSF as a potential biomarker of spinal cord injury.

Gene and protein expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein associated with oncogenesis in canine tumors.

To investigate the expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) associated with oncogenesis, samples of serum and tumor tissue were obtained from 25 dogs with tumors. The serum levels of COMP in dogs with tumors were significantly higher than in 38 normal controls and correlated with the concentrations of tumor tissue extracts. Positive bands to COMP antibody were detected on immunoblots of tumor extracts.

Effects of treatment with polysulfated glycosaminoglycan on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and C-reactive protein concentrations, serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities, and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Objective: To investigate the effects of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) treatment on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentration, matrix metal-loproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) activities, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and lameness scores in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Animals: 16 dogs with osteoarthritis and 5 clinically normal dogs.

Procedures: Dogs with osteoarthritis had a history of chronic lameness, and osteophytes were observed on radiographic evaluation of the affected joint.

Computed tomographic evaluation of growth-related changes in the hip joints of young dogs.

Objective: To evaluate changes in canine hip joint characteristics during growth via computed tomography (CT) and compare CT features of hip joints with and without laxity in young dogs placed in 2 imaging positions.

Animals: 21 dogs (42 hip joints).

Procedures: From 2 to 12 months after birth, CT examinations of the acetabulum of each hip joint in simulated normal standing and simulated weight-bearing positions were performed monthly for all dogs.