See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/236059325

Hematology and serum chemistry reference values of stray dogs in Bangladesh

Article · February 2011

CITATIONS READS
27 750

11 authors, including:

Shahneaz Ali Khan Kevin J Olival

35 PUBLICATIONS   507 CITATIONS   
EcoHealth Alliance
80 PUBLICATIONS   2,050 CITATIONS   
SEE PROFILE
SEE PROFILE

Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan Najmul Haider

Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Royal Veterinary College
97 PUBLICATIONS   542 CITATIONS    45 PUBLICATIONS   287 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Biogeography of Hawaiian hoary bats View project

PREDICT- Surveillance of emerging zoonotic disease threats at high risk interface in Bangladesh View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Najmul Haider on 01 June 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20
ISSN: 2218-6050
Original Article
______________________________________________________________________________
Submitted: 10/11/2010 Accepted: 08/12/2010 Published: 23/02/2011

Hematology and serum chemistry reference values of stray dogs in Bangladesh

S.A. Khan1,2,*, J.H. Epstein2, K.J. Olival2, M.M. Hassan1, M.B. Hossain1, K.B.M.A. Rahman4, M.F. Elahi1,
M.A. Mamun1, N. Haider3 , G. Yasin1 and J. Desmond2
1
Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
2
EcoHealth Alliance (formerly Wildlife Trust), New York, USA
3
International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
4
Food and Agricultural Organization- AI Technical unit, DLS, Bangladesh
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
Hematology and serum chemistry values were obtained from 28 male and 22 female stray dogs in Chittagong
Metropolitan area, Bangladesh. The goal of the study was to establish reference value for hematology and serum
chemistry for these semi wild animals in relation to age, sex, reproductive stage and body condition. No significant
differences were found for mean values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration, white blood cell, differential leukocyte count, total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, phosphorus
and potassium among or between sexes, ages, reproductive states or body conditions. Significant differences were
noted for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p<0.02) between sexes. Among different age groups significant differences
were found for total red blood cell count (p<0.001). Different body conditions have significant differences in red
blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p<0.001). Pregnant and non-pregnant
females differed significantly in their red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular
hemoglobin (p<0.001).
Keywords: Hematology, Serum chemistry, Reference value, Stray dog, Bangladesh.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction analyses that may contribute to the assessment of feral

Hematology and serum clinical chemistry analyses are animal health in Bangladesh in the future.
used for health assessment of domestic animals and a Materials and Methods
wide range of captive wildlife (Smith, 2000; Fowler Study area:
and Miller, 2003; Kaneko et al., 2008). Dogs were captured in Chittagong metropolitan area in
However, for semi-wild animals, such as stray dogs, Bangladesh. The study was conducted in an area
no published information is available in Bangladesh or containing 200 small homes where humans live in
other regions of south-east Asia. Dog population is close contact with dogs. Dogs in this area forage
estimated to be 37.5 million in the south-east Asia primarily on household wastes and have no
region with an increase of about 10% annually (Ali et vaccination history.
al., 1977). There are no available data for stray dog Animals:
populations in Bangladesh (WHO, 1998). Numerous Once identified, the most individuals were captured
wildlife species are natural reservoirs of rabies virus using baiting methods, then restrained and muzzled.
and on rare occasions act as a source of transmission Upon capture, blood samples were collected,
to humans. animals were classified by age and sex and
Blood is an important medium in assessing the health geographic location was recorded. Body condition
status of animals. Both the physiological and score was assessed for each individual.
pathological conditions of animals can be assessed by Sample processing:
the evaluation of hematological and biochemical Blood samples were collected from the jugular or
analyses of the blood. Though ample work has been cephalic vein of each animal and immediately
done on establishing the baseline values of dispensed in two tubes, one with EDTA and the other
biochemical and hematological parameters of dogs, was plain to obtain serum. Hematological parameters
there has been little work done on stray dogs and no including: red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood
studied groups in Bangladesh. cells (WBCs) count and hemoglobin concentration
The aim of this first study was to establish reference (Hb) were manually estimated according to Campbell
values for selected hematology and clinical chemistry (1995). Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Corresponding Author: Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal
Sciences University, Khulsi, Chittagong-4202, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

13
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

according to Howlett et al. (2002). Mean corpuscular Dogs with poor body condition showed significantly
volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) higher RBC count (14.8±0.0 x106 cells/µl) compared
and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with dogs with fair (5.5±1.8 x106 cells/µl) and dogs
(MCHC) were calculated as described by Campbell with good body condition (5.5±1.7 x106 cells/µl).
(1995). There was also a significant impact for body condition
Blood smears were immediately prepared from EDTA on values of MCV (20.1±0.0 fl) and MCH (8.7±0.0
blood samples and were stained with Diff Quick stain pg) (p<0.001) (Table 5). Other hematology and serum
(EMD Chemicals, Inc., Gibbstown, New Jersey 08027, chemistry parameters were more or less similar in
USA) (Fig. 1) and 200 leukocytes were differentiated dogs with differing body conditions (Table 5).
in smears prepared from each animal. Discussion
Biochemical evaluation: Glucose and cholesterol in stray dogs were
Serum total protein, albumin, phosphorus, potassium, significantly lower than those observed in the
cholesterol and glucose were analyzed in a reference range, which may indicate starvation or at
biochemical analyzer (Model: PLD-951/951A/951B). least poor food intake. Starvation and mal-absorption
Statistical analysis: are considered to be the main causes of low blood
All statistical analyses were performed using PASW sugar in dogs, but other factors such as a hepatic
Statistics 18.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, problem, insulin treatment, hypothyroidism, increased
USA). Mean and standard deviation for hematology excretion in the urine (renal glucosuria) and idiopathic
and serum chemistry values were generated initially by conditions (unknown cause) in some toy breeds of
using the combined dataset (n=50). Independent t-tests dogs are also associated with glucose problems.
for equality of means were used to test for a significant Hypoglycemia demonstrated in microfilariaemic dogs
effect of sex or pregnancy status on blood variables. T- suggested liver dysfunction secondary to circulatory
statistics, mean differences between groups, standard disturbance.
errors of those differences, and p-values were reported. In addition, the hypoglycemia was attributed to
One-way ANOVAs were used to test for significant glucose consumption by the Dipetalonema viteae and
interactions of age and BCS against blood cell counts Brugia pahangi parasites (Court et al., 1986).
and chemistry values. F-statistics, degrees of freedom Increased total Protein on the other hand can indicate
and p-values were reported. Significance was contact with tick-transmitted diseases such as
determined when p<0.05. ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
Results Protein profile of serum samples showed an increase
All stray dogs seemed healthy. The mean hematology in total protein and globulin concentration with a
and serum chemistry values were within the reference decrease in the albumin values in dogs infested with
range for dogs with the exception of the total protein microfilariae as compared to non-infested dogs.
which was higher (92.6±21.6, 52-78 mg/dl) (Table 1). Observed hyperproteinemia can be attributed to an
Hematology and serum chemistry values of male and increase in the γ-globulin concentration in response to
female dogs showed no significant differences except the parasitic antigens or to release of hemoglobin from
the ESR values, which were significantly higher in destructed erythrocytes (Moustafa et al., 1991). The
male dogs (3.6±0.3) as compared to their female obtained hypoalbuminemia likely corresponds to
counterparts (3.3±0.2) ( p<0.02) (Table 2). degenerative changes in the haemoparasitized organs
Pregnant and non-pregnant dogs showed significant (mainly liver). Similar results have been previously
differences in RBC (10.5±4.1 4.1±0.4 x106 cells/µl), reported (Safwat and El-Abdin, 1982; Kitagawa et al.,
MCV (38.4±20.7 112.4±34.6 fl), MCH (13.8±5.5 1998). The large standard deviation in the hematology
29.8±5.3 pg) (p<0.001), total protein (116.8±45.9 and serum chemistry may be due to different groups of
87.4±10.6 mg/dl) (p<0.004) and glucose (47.2±19.7 animals within 50 dogs such as different stage of
86.5±48.2 mg/dl) (p<0.02) values. Other hematology estrous cycle (proestrous, estrous, diestrous and
and serum chemistry values did not show significant anestrous), different age group (adult, juvenile, and
differences (Table 3). puppy) and different body conditions as well as
There were no significant differences for hematology nutritional stage of individual stray dogs.
and serum chemistry among different age groups Age:
except for RBC and eosinophil counts. RBC count was In the study, RBC count was significantly higher in
higher in adults (6.3±3.3 x106 cells/µl) in comparison puppies as was noted in previous literature.
to juveniles (5.8±1.9x106 cells/µl) and puppies Erythrocyte numbers were high at birth, but fell
(5.7±2.3x106 cells/µl) (p<0.001), and eosinophil count rapidly as puppies began nursing.
was higher in adults (5.9±2.8) and juveniles (4.5±2.4) Reduction of TEC values continued during the first
than in puppies (1.6±2.8) (p<0.01) (Table 4). month of life.

14
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

Fig. 1 Normal blood cells stained with Diff Quik, 100x. A = Lymphocyte, B = Mature neutrophil, C = Band neutrophil,
D = Basophil, E = Monocyte and F = Eosinophil.

Table 1: Mean values of hematology and serum chemistry of 50 stray dogs

Test Mean±SD Observation range Reference range
RBC (x106 cells/µl) 6.1±2.8 3.4-14.8 5.5-8.5

Hb (g/dl) 12.4±2.0 7.0-15.6 14.2-19.2

PCV (%) 40.1±10.2 24-62 29-55

ESR (% in first hour) 3.4±0.3 3-4 0-6

MCV(fl) 78.2±35.6 20.2-104.2 65-80

MCH (pg) 23.4±8.0 8.5-34.2 12.2-25.4

MCHC (%) 32.8±9.4 18.9-52.1 32-36

WBC (x103) 10.2±3.7 4.2-18.1 5.9-16.6

Band neutrophil (%) 13.0±7.4 1-30 0-4

Mature neutrophil (%) 39.0±15.8 7-69 51-84

Monocyte (%) 3.0±2.9 0-11 1-9

Lymphocyte (%) 47.0±13.9 16-72 8-38

Eosinophil (%) 5.1±2.8 0-10 0-9

Basophil (%) 0.9±0.8 0-2 0-1

Total protein (mg/dl) 92.6±21.6 56.8-182.3 52-78

Albumin (mg/dl) 26.0±3.9 19.5-38.0 23-31

Glucose (mg/dl) 55.9±27.8 17.9-139.4 80-120

Cholesterol (mmol/l) 76.1±13.6 53.7-112.0 110-330

Phosphorus (mg/dl) 3.3±2.2 1.9-12.9 2.5-7.7

Potassium (mmol/l) 4.1±0.9 2.5-7.0 4.4-6.1

15
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

Table 2: Hematology and serum chemistry values of male and female stray dogs (sample sizes in parentheses)
Hematology/serum
Female (n=22) Male (n=28) F DF p
biochemistry
RBC (x106 cells/µl) 6.7±3.3 5.3±1.6 3.28 48 0.07
Hb (g/dl) 12.4±2.1 12.5±2.0 0.01 48 0.89
PCV (%) 40.0±10.0 40.4±10.6 0.01 48 0.89
ESR(% in first hour) 3.3±0.2 3.6±0.3 5.81 48 0.02*
MCV(fl) 77.4±42.8 79.3±24.5 0.03 48 0.85
MCH (pg) 22.4±9.6 24.7±5.3 1.04 48 0.31
MCHC (%) 32.9±9.6 32.8±9.4 0.003 48 0.95
WBC (x103) 11.0±4.0 9.3±3.0 2.75 48 0.07
Band neutrophil (%) 13.6±7.9 12.3±6.8 0.40 48 0.52
Mature neutrophil (%) 40.3±17.2 37.3±14.1 0.45 48 0.50
Monocyte (%) 3.3±2.8 2.6±2.9 0.59 48 0.44
Lymphocyte (%) 47.5±17.7 46.3±7.0 0.09 48 0.76
Eosinophil (%) 4.6±2.5 5.9±3.1 2.58 48 0.11
Basophil (%) 1.0±0.8 0.6±0.7 2.93 48 0.09
Total protein (mg/dl) 93.9±27.0 90.8±11.9 0.25 48 0.61
Albumin (mg/dl) 26.6±4.3 25.2±3.4 1.44 48 0.23
Glucose (mg/dl) 57.9±31.6 53.3±22.6 0.34 48 0.56
Cholesterol (mmol/l) 74.5±13.6 78.3±13.6 0.95 48 0.33
Phosphorus (mg/dl) 3.3±2.0 3.4±2.4 0.009 48 0.92
Potassium (mmol/l) 4.0±1.0 4.2±0.9 0.74 48 0.39

Table 3: Hematology and serum chemistry values of pregnant and non-pregnant stray bitches (sample sizes in parentheses)
Hematology/serum
Non-pregnant (n=5) Pregnant (n=7) F DF p
biochemistry
RBC (x106 cells/µl) 4.1±0.4 10.5±4.1 18.26 47 <0.001*
Hb (g/dl) 12.2±1.2 12.7±0.5 0.09 47 0.91
PCV (%) 45.6±9.6 34.0±7.5 2.11 47 0.13
ESR(% in first hour) 3.2±0.1 3.6±0.6 2.80 47 0.07
MCV(fl) 112.4±34.6 38.4±20.7 8.98 47 <0.001*
MCH (pg) 29.8±5.3 13.8±5.5 9.04 47 <0.001*
MCHC (%) 27.5±5.9 39.1±8.9 2.48 47 0.09
WBC (x103) 11.3±3.7 11.6±4.8 0.94 47 0.39
Band neutrophil (%) 8.4±3.8 13.7±8.2 1.10 47 0.33
Mature neutrophil (%) 49.4±17.2 40.4±15.4 1.31 47 0.27
Monocyte (%) 2.8±1.6 3.7±3.2 0.21 47 0.80
Lymphocyte (%) 46.4±22.9 43.7±15.9 0.23 47 0.79
Eosinophil (%) 5.6±3.2 5.0±2.0 0.06 47 0.93
Basophil (%) 1.6±0.5 1.0±1.0 2.37 47 0.10
Total protein (mg/dl) 87.4±10.6 116.8±45.9 6.17 47 0.004*
Albumin (mg/dl) 26.9±2.7 27.6±5.4 0.88 47 0.42
Glucose (mg/dl) 86.5±48.2 47.2±19.7 3.92 47 0.02*
Cholesterol (mmol/l) 87.4±22.4 69.6±4.9 2.67 47 0.07
Phosphorus (mg/dl) 2.2±0.5 4.0±0.8 1.02 47 0.35
Potassium (mmol/l) 3.4±1.0 4.5±0.8 1.89 47 0.16

16
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

Table 4: Hematology and serum chemistry values of stray dogs in different age groups
Hematology/serum
Adult (n=29) Juvenile (n=18) Puppy (n=3) F DF p
biochemistry
RBC (x106 cells/µl) 6.3±3.3 5.8±1.9 5.7±2.3 0.18 47 0.001*
Hb (g/dl) 12.4±1.3 13.1±2.4 8.6±1.3 7.52 47 0.27
PCV (%) 41.4±10.4 39.5±10.0 31.6±5.5 1.33 47 0.51
ESR (% in first hour) 3.4±0.3 3.5±0.3 3.4±0.3 0.68 47 0.66
MCV(fl) 82.1±43.4 73.3±20.7 70.4±23.0 0.40 47 0.35
MCH (pg) 23.4±8.3 24.4±7.5 17.0±7.8 1.07 47 0.35
MCHC (%) 31.9±8.6 35.1±10.8 28.0±8.0 1.06 47 0.83
WBC (x103) 10.6±3.6 10.4±3.6 6.1±3.1 2.10 47 0.13
Band neutrophil (%) 11.5±5.8 15.2±9.5 15.3±4.5 1.56 47 0.22
Mature neutrophil (%) 43.2±13.2 33.3±15.5 33.0±32.1 2.54 47 0.09
Monocyte (%) 3.1±3.4 2.6±1.6 4.6±3.0 0.67 47 0.51
Lymphocyte (%) 45.8±14.8 48.8±10.2 47.0±26.9 0.24 47 0.78
Eosinophil (%) 5.9±2.8 4.5±2.4 1.6±2.8 4.29 47 0.01*
Basophil (%) 0.9±0.9 0.8±0.6 0.6±1.1 0.26 47 0.76
Total protein (mg/dl) 98.1±24.7 83.6±14.0 92.7±5.8 2.68 47 0.07
Albumin (mg/dl) 25.6±3.8 26.5±4.4 26.6±2.4 0.34 47 0.71
Glucose (mg/dl) 55.5±27.5 57.2±31.2 51.5±5.4 0.05 47 0.94
Cholesterol (mmol/l) 78.9±14.9 71.5±10.2 77.2±15.5 1.68 47 0.19
Phosphorus (mg/dl) 3.1±1.1 3.8±3.4 2.8±0.7 0.65 47 0.52
Potassium (mmol/l) 4.3±1.1 3.7±0.6 3.8±0.3 2.85 47 0.06

Table 5: Hematology and serum chemistry values of stray dogs with different body conditions
Hematology/serum
Good (n=21) Fair (n=26) Poor (n=3) F DF p
biochemistry
RBC (x106 cells/µl) 5.5±1.7 5.5±1.8 14.8±0.0 39.10 47 0.001*
Hb (g/dl) 12.9±1.6 12.0±2.4 13.0±0.0 1.17 47 0.31
PCV (%) 40.4±8.9 41.1±11.2 30.0±0.0 1.65 47 0.20
ESR (% in first hour) 3.5±0.2 3.4±0.3 3.9±0.0 3.21 47 0.04*
MCV(fl) 75.5±27.7 87.2±37.2 20.1±0.0 5.80 47 0.001*
MCH (pg) 24.9±6.9 23.9±7.8 8.7±0.0 6.56 47 0.001*
MCHC (%) 33.3±7.7 31.3±10.6 43.3±0.0 2.32 47 0.10
WBC (x103) 10.0±3.7 10.1±3.6 12.9±4.5 0.84 47 0.43
Band neutrophil (%) 10.3±4.3 14.7±8.3 17.6±11.5 2.88 47 0.06
Mature neutrophil (%) 40.6±14.1 36.8±17.7 47.0±6.0 0.72 47 0.49
Monocyte (%) 4.0±3.7 2.3±2.0 2.0±0.0 2.08 47 0.13
Lymphocyte (%) 42.4±13.7 50.0±14.2 52.0±0.0 2.00 47 0.14
Eosinophil (%) 6.0±2.8 4.3±2.8 7.0±0.0 2.81 47 0.07
Basophil (%) 0.8±0.8 0.8±0.7 2.0±0.0 3.19 47 0.05*
Total protein (mg/dl) 100.5±28.3 87.3±13.3 83.0±6.0 2.65 47 0.08
Albumin (mg/dl) 26.1±3.6 25.4±3.6 30.7±7.2 2.54 47 0.08
Glucose (mg/dl) 60.8±29.4 54.1±27.2 36.9±15.1 1.07 47 0.35
Cholesterol (mmol/l) 77.1±15.3 75.7±13.2 73.1±0.4 0.13 47 0.87
Phosphorus (mg/dl) 4.2±3.1 2.7±0.7 3.3±0.3 2.99 47 0.05*
Potassium (mmol/l) 4.3±1.0 3.9±0.9 3.8±1.0 0.80 47 0.45

These changes were related to increased In the second month of a puppy’s life, a
destruction of fetal erythrocytes as well as gradual increase in RBC takes place and
the rapid growth of the puppy. Circulating continues until adult levels are attained at
red cell mass was significantly reduced about one year of age (Anderson and Gee,
(Lee et al., 1976). 1958).

17
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

A number of studies done on German Shepherds into the third trimester (Lund and Donovan, 1967;
revealed no significant difference in RBC, WBC, Hb, Peck and Arias, 1979; Heilmann, 1987).
MCV, MCH, MCHC and differential leucocytes Physiological anemia is solely due to a dilution
counts between adults and juveniles (Konrad et al., decrease in hemoglobin concentration. There is
1980). increased plasma volume of about 50% and red cell
Young canids tend to have lower RBC, hemoglobin mass of about 18-25%, which was very much
and hematocrit values than mature adults. In beagles, consistent with our findings. Moreover, PCV
there were increases with age in the hematocrit, decreases in pregnant bitches due to a shorter life span
hemoglobin and RBC values, and maximum values of erythrocyte and hemo-dilatation (McFee, 1973;
were reached only between 13 and 24 months of age Lurie, 1993; Cavill, 1995).
(Bulgin et al., 1970). The MCV provides an indication of the status or size
Other studies in dogs have shown that the hemoglobin of erythrocytes and epitomizes either normal or
and hematocrit increased until 18 months of age abnormal cell division during erythropoiesis (Nussey
(Weiner and Bradley, 1972). Blood loss due to et al., 1995). The MCV values were lower in pregnant
infestations with external and internal parasites could bitches due to higher RBC number during pregnancy
also lead to anemia. periods in canine populations. The different stages of
Sex: estrous cycle in stray dogs had frequently influenced
Differences in ESR between the sexes were of little the progesterone and estrogen concentration, which
practical value. Sedimentation of erythrocytes in blood can determine the serum chemistry profile in these
has been studied extensively in the past and it is semi-wild animals.
known that this property of the blood is influenced by Body condition:
red cell and plasma characteristics. In this study, dogs with poor body condition displayed
This is reflected in species differences seen in the ESR high RBC counts in comparison with fair and good
in health and changes in ESR during disease. Several body conditioned dogs. This is seen in dehydrated
technical factors are also known to affect the ESR animals as their blood becomes more concentrated.
(Ham and Curtis, 1938; Lloyd, 1958; Miale, 1967; This is also noted in other conditions, such as some
Whitby and Britton, 1969; Williams and Trainer, cases of shock, response to high altitudes (the air is
1971). 'thinner,' containing less oxygen, so more RBC’s are
It has been found that ESR increases with the length of put into circulation), diseases of the lungs, etc.
the tube and height of the blood column, and that it Conditions decreasing the amount of oxygen reaching
decreases when the bore size of the tube is less than the tissues of the body will cause higher numbers of
2.5 mm (Ham and Curtis, 1938). In our present study RBCs to be found in the complete blood cell count
the ESR values were higher in male dogs than in (CBC).
females. MCV and MCH values are inversely related to RBC
This finding was in contrast with results of previous count or hematocrit value. Erythrocytosis, also called
studies. The extent of ESR variation is affected by a polycythemia, is defined by an increase in total RBC
variety of factors. In a study involving 382 male and number, PCV, and Hb concentration above reference
382 female beagles between 8 and 16 months of age, intervals.
age-related changes in RBC, Hb and PCV were seen Erythrocytosis occurs frequently in dogs and can arise
but no sex influence was noted (Brunk and Becker- due to a number of causes. Erythrocytosis may be
Berger, 1980). relative, due to a decrease in total plasma fluid
Some investigators have reported higher RBC, volume, or absolute, due to an increase in RBC
hematocrit and hemoglobin values in male dogs, but production (Sharma and Joshi, 2002).
others have observed no differences between the sexes Conclusion
(Anderson and Gee 1958, Michaelson et al., 1966; Stray dogs live closely with humans in Bangladesh. In
Brunk and Becker-Berger 1980). No significant recent years, the sources of emerging and reemerging
differences between the sexes were found in the blood diseases were mainly of animal origin, especially
values of conditioned wild coyotes or pen-raised originating from wildlife.
coyotes (Jain, 1986). Chances of disease emergence from stray dogs are of
Reproductive stage: great concern in Bangladesh. These findings provide
RBC count was higher in pregnant bitches. important baseline data with which to examine the
Erythrocyte production increases during pregnancy health status of stray dogs in south and south-east
while erythrocyte mass per unit of body weight Asia. The study examined the effect of sex, pregnancy
remains constant throughout the entire pregnancy and status, age, and body condition score on blood cell
hemoglobin and hematocrit progressively decrease counts and biochemistry values.

18
http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

This data may help to understand the emergence of vena caval syndrome. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 213
new diseases from this semi-wild animal including the (8), 1134-1136.
deadly rabies virus. Konrad, J., Kupak, M. and Husak, S. 1980.
Acknowledgment Hematology of the clinically healthy dog. Vet.
Funding for this study was provided, in part, by the Med. (Praha). 25(7), 405-412.
Eppley Foundation for Research and the Rockefeller Lee, P., Brown, M.E. and Hutzler, P.T. 1976. Blood
Foundation volume changes and production and destruction of
____________________________________________ Erythrocytes in Newborn Dogs. Am. J. Vet. Res.
References 37(5), 561-575.
Ali, W., Khan, F.K., Doulah, S., Majumdar, J.U. 1977. Lloyd, H.E. 1958. Estimation of the erythrocyte
Surveillance of rabies in Dacca, Bangladesh. Med. sedimentation rate of capillary blood; description
Res. Co. Bull. 3(2), 117-123. of a new method. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 17, 234-239.
Anderson, A.C. and Gee, W. 1958. Normal blood Lund, C.J. and Donovan, J.C. 1967. Blood volume
values in the Beagle. Vet. Med. 53, 135-138. during pregnancy: significance of plasma and red
Brunk, R. and Becker-Berger, S. 1980. Statistical cell volumes. Am. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. 98, 393-
examination of age and sex specific differences in 403.
blood parameters in English beagle dogs. Berl Lurie, S. 1993. Changes in age distribution of
Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 93, 128-132. erythrocytes during pregnancy, A longitudinal
Bulgin, M.S., Munn, S.L. and Gee, W. 1970. study. Gynaecol. Obstet. Invest. 36, 141-144.
Hematologic changes to 4 and one-half years of Mcfee, J.G. 1973. Anemia in pregnancy a reappraisal.
age in clinically normal beagles. J. Am. Vet. Med. Obstet. Gynaecol. Surv. 28, 769-793.
Assoc. 157, 1064-1070. Miale, B. 1967. Laboratory Medicine-Hematology, 3rd
Campbell, T.W. 1995. Avian haematology and ed. The C. V. Mosby Company, St. Louis.
cytology, 2nd Ed. Iowa state Uni. Press. Ames. Michaelson, S.M., Scherr, K. and Gilt, S. 1966. The
Cavill, I. 1995. Iron and erythropoisis in normal blood of the normal beagle. J. Am. Vet. Med.
subjects and in pregnancy. J. Perinat. Med. 23, 47- Assoc. 148, 532-534.
50. Moustafa, A.M., Agag, B., Esmat, M. and Selim, A.M.
Court, J.P., Martin-Short, M. and Lees, G.M. 1986. A 1991. Studies on filariasis in Egyptian buffaloes.
comparison of the response of Dipetalonema viteae III. Clinical observations and electrophoretic
and Brugia pahangi adult worms to antifilarial patterns in sera of naturally infested buffaloes with
agents. Trop. Med. Parasitol. 37(4), 375-380. microfilaria before and after treatment with
Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (eds). 2003. Zoo and stipophon. Zagazig Vet. J. 19, 583-595.
Wild Animal Medicine. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Nussey, G., Van Vuren, J.H.J. and Du Preez, H.H.
Saunders, 485-486. 1995. Effect of copper on the haematology and
Ham, T.H. and Curtis, F.C. 1938. Plasma fibrinogen osmoregulation of the Mozambique tilapia,
response in man. Influence of the nutritional state, Oreochromis mossambicus (Cichlidae). Comp.
induced hyperpyrexia, infectious diseases and liver Biochem. Phys. Part: 111A, 369-380.
damage. Med. 17, 413-445. Peck, T.M. and Arias, F. 1979. Hematologic changes
Heilmann, L. 1987. Blood theology and pregnancy. associated with pregnancy. Clin. Obstet. Gynaecol.
Bailliere Clin. Haem. 1(3), 777-799. 22, 485-498.
Howlett, J.C., Bailey, T.A., Samour, J.H., Naldo, J.L. Safwat, M.S. and El-Abdin, Y.Z. 1982. Some
and D’aloia, M. 2002. Age-related hematologic biochemical studies on the serum of infested and
changes in captive-reared houbara, white-bellied, non-infested camels with Dipetalonema evansi.
and rufouscrested bustards. J. Wildlife Dis. 38, Egyptian J. Vet. Sci. 19, 141-145.
804-816. Sharma, M. and Joshi, C. 2002. Serum mineral and
Jain, N.C. 1986. Normal values in blood of laboratory, haemato-biochemical profile of microfilariae
fur-bearing, and miscellaneous zoo, domestic, and infested cattle in India: Its effects on production
wild animals. In Schalm’s Veterinary Hematology. and therapy. Asian-Australasian J. Anim. 15(3),
4th ed. Ed N. C. Jain. Philadelphia, Lea & Febiger, 357-365.
337. Smith, S.A. 2000. Specific species appropriate
Kaneko, J.J., Harvey, J.W. and Bruss, M.L. 2008. hematology. In: Feldman B.F., Zinkl J.G., Jain
Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 6th ed. N.C., eds. Schalm’s Veterinary Hematology. 5th ed.
San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 493, 889-895. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Kitagawa, H., Kitoh, K. and Ohba, Y. 1998. 1055-1224.
Comparison of laboratory test results before and Weiner, D.J. and Bradley, R.E. 1972. The hemogram
after surgical removal of heartworms in dogs with and certain serum protein fractions in normal

19
 http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com
S.A. Khan et al. Open Veterinary Journal, (2011), Vol. 1: 13-20

beagle dogs. Vet. Med. Sm. Anim. Clin. 67, 393-

398.
Whitby, L. and Britton, C.J.C. 1969. Disorders of the
Blood, 10th ed., p.85, London, Churchill.
WHO. 1998. Report. Informal consultation. Regional
strategies for elimination of Rabies (WHO, South-
East Asia Regional Office). New Delhi, p-7.
Williams, J.L. and Trainer, D.O. 1971. A
hematological study of snow, blue and Canada
geese. J. Wildlife Dis. 7, 258-265.

20

View publication stats