Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Bianca Gabriela HAGIU, Iuliana CODREANU
The environmental temperature exceeding either the inferior or the superior limit of the thermo-neutrality zone may lead to thermal stress, due to the cold or the heat. This study was conducted in order to determine the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of dogs exposed to thermal stress. A total of 20 dogs were randomly divided into two groups (10 per group). Group 1 (control group) was exposed to an environmental temperature of 15±1ºC, while the second group to 40±2ºC, to induce thermal stress caused by the heat. Blood samples were collected and subjected to investigations. This study showed that the blood sugar level significantly increased in group 2. However, PCV, Hb, and also cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin levels were significantly decreased in the experimental group. At the same time, MCH, MCHC, WBC and the globulin levels did not show any significant changes from the control group. It was concluded that thermal stress in dogs could negatively affect the mechanism of thermal regulation in dissipating excess body temperature, so their general condition may change considerably.
[Read full article] [Citation]
