Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration in dogs with panniculitis.

OBJECTIVE To measure serum alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) concentration in dogs with histologically confirmed panniculitis to determine whether serum deficiency could cause or exacerbate panniculitis in dogs. DESIGN Cross-sectional, descriptive study. ANIMALS 9 dogs (5 with multiple lesions and 4 with solitary lesions). PROCEDURE Serum samples were obtained by means of cephalic or jugular venipuncture and frozen at -20 C until assayed. Serum alpha 1AT concentration was measured by means of radial gel immunodiffusion. RESULTS In all dogs, serum alpha 1AT concentration was within the previously established reference range. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS In the small number of-dogs studied, panniculitis was not associated with serum alpha 1AT deficiency.