Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Investigation of symmetric dimethylarginine as a serologic marker for kidney function in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)

  • Eun Jung (Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University) ;
  • Soong-Hee Youn (Everland Animal Hospital) ;
  • Ki-Yong Shin (Everland Animal Hospital) ;
  • Hyeon-Joo Shin (Everland Animal Hospital) ;
  • Joon-Young Yang (Everland Animal Hospital) ;
  • Yeseul Yang (Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University) ;
  • Jae-Ha Jung (Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yongbaek Kim (Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2024.02.14
  • Accepted : 2024.07.03
  • Published : 2024.07.31
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Abstract

Importance: Kidney disease is prevalent among veterinary species, including zoo animals; however, investigations into this condition in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are scarce. Diagnostic tools for kidney diseases in this species also remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utility of symmetric dimethylarginine as a biomarker for kidney disease in captive striped skunks in Korea. Methods: This retrospective study analysed 11 striped skunks housed at the Everland Zoo between 2017 and 2021. Blood samples were collected during health checks. Kidney function was assessed through blood analysis and diagnostic ultrasound, with necropsies conducted on deceased animals. Symmetric dimethylarginine levels were measured in 27 plasma samples collected from 11 skunks. Results: Over the study period, seven skunks were diagnosed with kidney disease. Analysis of 27 blood samples revealed a concurrent increase in SDMA levels with concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and blood creatinine. In 3 of the 7 skunks with kidney disease, symmetric dimethylarginine exceeded 14 ㎍/dL prior to the elevation of blood urea nitrogen and blood creatinine above the upper reference limit. Conclusions and Relevance: To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating symmetric dimethylarginine in captive striped skunks in Korea. Our findings suggest that symmetric dimethylarginine may serve as an early and consistent biomarker for renal dysfunction in striped skunks. Further studies with larger clinical sample size from striped skunks are needed to validate the clinical utility of blood symmetric dimethylarginine concentration.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The author wishes to acknowledge Dong-Hee Chung, director of Everland Zoo for his valuable help.

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