engleski

Hematological and serum biochemical parameters in search and rescue dogs before and after a whole day fieldwork

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in serum biochemistry and haematological values in Croatian Mountain Rescue Service rescue dogs after a whole day of simulated fieldwork. There were 19 healthy dogs of 4 different breeds included in this study, 13 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 3.3 years (±SD 2.0 years). Samples were obtained twice, the baseline early in the morning before the dogs were fed, and the second one at the end of 12 hours of fieldwork. Blood was collected from saphenal vein, in EDTA and serum tubes, kept in a refrigerator and analysed on the day of collection. Serum biochemistry demonstrated a statistically significant increase in albumine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from baseline values. Significant (p<0.05) decreases in magnesium (Mg), triglyceride, potassium (K) values were also noted. Haematological parameters: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haematocrit (HCT), were significantly (p<0.01) decreased post fieldwork compared to the baseline values before fieldwork. The decreased values of MCV, RBC and HCT after fieldwork were unexpected since it is known that in dogs stored erythrocytes are released during exercise by splenic contraction. A possible explanation for this result is in the pre-exercise elicited stress and dehydration due to transport, resulting in higher HCT baseline values before blood sampling. It is important to note that values of MCV, RBC and HCT before and after fieldwork were both within the reference ranges. The present study has shown that rescue dogs have a greater requirement for energy during fieldwork exercise. Energy is provided through anaerobic glycolysis, followed by an increase in AST and LDH levels. Muscle damage indicators suggest that long periods of different intensity level workload in search and rescue dogs result in overall increased muscle activity demands. In conclusion, the physical activity of search and rescue dogs during prolonged fieldwork is similar to changes described in endurance activity.

search and rescue dogs, fieldwork, serum biochemistry, haematological values

nije evidentirano