Nitroprusside test

RE: Nitroprusside test

Andrew Kent — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 09:55:41 GMT

I strongly advise castration in all cystine cases, some have a defined androgen-dependent basis but I have often found this helpful even in cases where this is not demonstrated. It also prevents transmission of what is, essentially, a genetic disease.

We often don't pursue testing before and after this but that would be good practice if economically viable.

Unfortunately the non-androgen dependent cystine cases are very challenging and will typically recurring despite all our interventions (and most people cannot afford to use Tiopronin even if you can fine a source).

Andy

RE: Nitroprusside test

Beats — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 18:34:25 GMT

Thanks. I found it on the local hospital lab test list and reckon they'll probably do it for a small donation to the hospital charity, but it's often easier to use a commercial lab set up.

Can I ask your advice, Andrew, on a three-quarters Poodle one-quarter labrador with blockages with cystine small uroliths which have been flushed back into bladder to clear a couple of times and given prazosin/dantrolene.

Specifically re castration.

I'd advised castrating (with or without checking urine cystine levels before and after). The owner is very against this and doesn't feel there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this is likely to make a difference for her dog. I somewhat sympathise with her position, but still consider castration advisable. What are your thoughts on this? The owners are paying £150 a month (based on my calculations from cheapest prices I could find) on Hill's u/d tins... I thought either euthanasia due to financial ruin or recurrence of urinary obstruction were greater risks than those associated with castration - so even if chance of castration helping is low (say 20%) then probably still very worthwhile? What percentage chance of castration helping would you estimate?

Many thanks!!!

RE: Nitroprusside test

Andrew Kent — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:14:23 GMT

I don't think so, we have typically sent this to PennGen in the US.

Andy