Comparison of serum 25(OH) vitamin D, parathormone and immunity marker concentrations between dogs with transmissible venereal tumour and healthy dogs

BACKGROUND: 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2) D) is vital in the homeostasis of calcium and bone health as well as in the prevention of many disorders such as neoplasms. Epidemiological data show that low concentrations of both 1,25(OH)(2)D and its precursor 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with an increased risk of a variety of human tumours. OBJECTIVES: To investigate 25(OH)D, parathormone (PTH) and immunity marker concentrations in dogs with transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). METHODS: 25(OH)D, PTH and various biochemical and immunity markers were evaluated in dogs with TVT (n = 26) and in healthy (n = 30) dogs. RESULTS: 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with TVT in comparison with healthy dogs. In contrast, PTH, immunoglobulin G and interleukin (IL)‐9 concentrations were higher in the dogs with TVT. Other variables, including IL‐10, interferon γ, calcium and inorganic phosphate, were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum 25(OH)D concentration may be a risk factor for the development of canine TVT; however, cause‐and‐effect remains incompletely understood. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact role of 25(OH)D in canine TVT and whether vitamin D supplementation may be useful prophylactically or as an adjunct to chemotherapy.