Dr. James Dear of Edinburgh University’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science said, “I am delighted that the blood test we developed to improve the diagnosis of liver disease in humans can be used to help dogs, too.” The test tracks levels of the blood molecule miR-122, a known marker of liver disease.
Vets at the University of Edinburgh’s Vet School joined with medical doctors like Dear to look at miR-122 levels in 250 dogs. The study was then published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
These blood tests will allow vets to make a more accurate and rapid diagnosis of liver disease. Vets formerly had to rely solely upon biopsies which are both expensive, and can lead to further complications.
Source: www.bbc.com
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