# Exploring the Most Effective Strategy for Purine Metabolite Quantification in Veterinary Medicine Using LC–MS/MS

## TL;DR

This paper investigates the best method for measuring purine metabolites in veterinary medicine using LC–MS/MS for more accurate results in dogs and bovines.

## Contribution

The study identifies LC–MS/MS as the most effective strategy for quantifying purine metabolites in veterinary diagnostics.

## Key findings

- LC–MS/MS provides higher selectivity and accuracy compared to colorimetric assays for measuring uric acid and allantoin.
- The method was successfully applied to serum and urine samples from healthy dogs and bovine urine.
- Mass spectrometry enhances clinical diagnostics by enabling precise monitoring of purine metabolite levels.

## Abstract

Determining the optimal method for purine metabolite quantification is crucial in veterinary medicine. Uric acid and allantoin, in particular, serve as potential biomarkers in both dogs and bovines. Their association with various pathologies and their sensitivity to dietary influences make them particularly relevant for nutritional interventions in both small and large animals.

Measuring purine metabolites in the serum and urine may help in the early diagnosis of urolith formation, the correction of allopurinol therapeutic dosages, and the evaluation of diet-related alterations. To properly monitor these endogenous compounds and assess their physiological concentration ranges in biological fluids, highly specific and accurate analytical approaches are required. Colorimetric assays are generally used for this purpose, although their cross-reactivity could lead to incorrect determinations. Given the importance of selectivity in detecting endogenous compounds, this study explored the use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to enhance uric acid and allantoin measurement in both serum and urine from dogs, as well as urine from bovines. The most effective analytical strategy was identified and successfully applied to an initial batch of samples collected from healthy dogs and bovines. In conclusion, mass spectrometry proved to be a powerful tool for this challenging task, further demonstrating its superior performance in improving clinical laboratory diagnostics, including its valuable applications in veterinary medicine.