Abstract

Dehydration results in alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the haematological and biochemical parameters of clinically dehydrated and euhydrated dogs. A total of 109 samples obtained from different breeds of dogs were used for this study. The degrees/grades of dehydration of each dog were recorded and the dogs were grouped as follows based on their degrees of dehydration: A; euhydrated, B; mildly dehydrated, C; moderately dehydrated and D; severely dehydrated. Whole blood was collected via cephalic venipuncture for complete blood counts. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, glucose, sodium, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, potassium, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio and anion gap (AG) as well as serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase  were determined using serum prepared from whole blood. Urinalysis was done using fresh urine sample. Significantly higher packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) (P < 0.05) due to dehydration was observed in B, while significantly lower PCV and Hb (P > 0.05) were reported in C and D. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, total protein, albumin and urine specific gravity were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in B, C, D compared to A. However, the concentrations of glucose, calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, bicarbonate and anion gap and the activities of liver enzymes were comparable (P > 0.05). It was concluded from this study that: the relative increases in PCV and Hb concentration observed in B was due to haemoconcentration (dehydration), the reported anaemia in C and D were in existence with certain degrees of dehydration and that the increases in serum urea, creatinine, total protein and albumin concentrations were consistent biochemical indicators of dehydration in dogs.

Keywords: Biochemical, Dehydrated, Dog, Euhydrated, Haematological