Changes in Haematological and Biochemical Parameters with Ageing in Dobermann Pinscher Dogs - A Pilot Study

Author: Smitha J.P., Dimri U., Kavitha K., Vivek Joshi, Vinod V.K., Anjali, Mondal D.B. and Gyanendra Singh

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Abstract

Ageing is a natural, non-pathological process initiated at birth and concluding with death, involving morphological and functional changes in all organs. Recent research has identified various cellular and molecular parameters associated with ageing in mammals, including altered intercellular communication, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic changes. As the population of elderly dogs increases globally, these animals frequently exhibit multi-organ impairments requiring continuous veterinary attention. This study aimed to assess the impact of ageing on the physiological characteristics of clinically healthy Dobermann pinscher dogs by analyzing haematological and biochemical parameters across different age groups. Twenty-four clinically healthy Dobermann Pinscher dogs were divided into four age groups and evaluated through clinical examinations, complete blood counts, and serum chemistry analyses. Results indicated that, while most parameters remained within normal ranges, geriatric dogs showed significant differences in haemoglobin, HCT, TEC, TLC, and MCV levels compared to younger dogs. Geriatric dogs also exhibited significant increases in total protein, globulin BUN, ALT, and ALP, along with reductions in blood glucose, serum calcium, and chloride levels. These findings emphasize the need for regular laboratory evaluations to distinguish between typical age-related changes and signs of underlying disease, thereby improving the quality of life and well-being of ageing dogs

Keywords

Ageing dogs, biochemical, Dobermann pinscher, geriatric, haematology.

Conclusion

The study found that older and geriatric dogs exhibited elevated levels of total protein, globulin, ALT, BUN, and MCV, along with decreased haemoglobin levels, HCT, and total erythrocytic and leukocytic counts. Serum chloride values and blood glucose concentrations were also lower in geriatric dogs. While the observed mean values of these haematological and biochemical parameters generally fell within the reference ranges across all age groups; exceptions were noted for BUN, ALT, and MCV. Although all the animals examined appeared healthy in the present study, more haematological and biochemical changes were observed in the geriatric age group. This highlights the importance of laboratory evaluations for prognosis and early diagnosis, ultimately enhancing dogs' quality of life and well-being

References

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How to cite this article

Smitha J.P., Dimri U., Kavitha K., Vivek Joshi, Vinod V.K., Anjali, Mondal D.B. and Gyanendra Singh (2024). Changes in Haematological and Biochemical Parameters with Ageing in Dobermann Pinscher Dogs - A Pilot Study. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(5): 150-153.