Thymidine Kinase Type 1 and C‐Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Cancer

Background Serum thymidine kinase type 1 (TK1) and canine C‐Reactive Protein (cCRP) might be useful in detecting dogs with cancer. Algorithms combining biomarkers are sometimes more accurate than results of individual tests. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare serum TK1 and cCRP and Neoplasia Index (NI) in healthy and tumor‐bearing dogs. Animals Client‐owned dogs with (n = 253) and without (n = 156) cancer. Methods Retrospective case–control study. Dogs with cancer were identified after submission of samples for commercial assay and case details were retrospectively collected. Healthy dogs (control) were identified through breed groups and health status was confirmed by health questionnaire for a minimum of 6 months. Serum TK1 activity was measured using a quantitative chemiluminescent assay and serum cCRP was measured using a quantitative ELISA assay. Results TK1 activity in the cancer (n = 253) and control group (n = 156) were 7.0 μ/L (median, range 100) and 1.8 μ/L (median, range 0.4 to 55.3), respectively (P 50), respectively (P