We launched CellBIO as a novel Hemopet diagnostic test in mid-May 2019. This assay quantitates the biolipid, isoprostane, in dog saliva to determine if the pet’s body is undergoing harmful cellular oxidative stress. The test is not yet available for cats.
We have now analyzed 192 clinical patient samples; and 55 of them were positive (28.6%), having isoprostane biolipid levels above the normal reference range we have established (i. e., 0.5-1.75 ng/mL of saliva).
Of the 55 positive testing dogs, there were: 24 spayed females, 14 neutered males, 9 intact females, and 8 intact males. The ages ranged from 9 months to 15 years, although most were middle aged or older. The weight range was 4-116 pounds, and no breed type predominated.
Of the 55 CellBIO positive dogs, 24 also had NutriScan profiles run for food sensitivity and intolerances. Interestingly, NutriScan results for these 16 dogs showed 7 to be negative for all 24 foods and related ingredients; 10 had 1—3 reactive foods, mostly to barley, potatoes, pork and white-colored fish and their oils; 4 had 4, 7, 11and all 24 reactive foods, and the remaining 3 results are still pending. Twenty-three of the CellBIO positive dogs ate a raw diet, and 18 of the CellBIO negative dogs also ate raw diets. These results suggest that dogs with clinical issues related to intense itching, scratching, chewing, and bowel irritability had relatively few identified foods or diet types as the culprits. Environmental exposure to inhalants, fleas, ticks, mites and other insects as well as contact reactants could be involved; and 1 dog was taking an isooxazoline parasiticide.
Note that the sex breakdown and ages could merely reflect increased choice of testing as older pets are more likely to be neutered or spayed and have some health issues.
We have recommended that the positive testing dogs be retested in about 6 months after being on foods and supplements designed to lower their cellular oxidative stress. We anticipate that a positive outcome will reveal reduced isoprostane levels when retested.