Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in German shepherd dogs with chronicdegenerative radiculomyelopathy

The concentration of serum alpha -tocopherol was measured in German shepher d dogs with chronic degenerative radiculomyopathy, and in German shepherd d ogs and dogs of other breeds unaffected by the condition. The mean concentr ation was significantly higher in German shepherd dogs with the condition t han in other breeds of dog unaffected by it, but it was not significantly h igher than in unaffected German shepherd dogs. Estimates of components of v ariance indicated that the concentration varied more widely in individual a ffected dogs than in unaffected dogs, irrespective of breed. These results suggest that chronic degenerative radiculomyopathy in German shepherd dogs is unlikely to be due to uncomplicated vitamin E deficiency.