Preventive blood evaluation in obese dogs (Canis lupus familiares)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate serum hematological and biochemical changes in obese young dogs clinically healthy. Twenty-six animals were selected, which were separated into two groups: thirteen with normal weight and thirteen with obesity. Exclusion criteria were used for the selection of groups, age between one and eight years, physical evaluation, blood count, and a questionnaire to investigate pre-existing pathologies (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, hepatic and/or renal insufficiency, congenital or acquired heart disease, locomotor problems, inflammatory and/or infectious diseases or physiological conditions such as pregnancy or lactation). 5-mL blood samples were collected from each patient by puncture of the cephalic vein in the morning after a feeding restriction of 10 hours. Hematocrit, total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, leukocyte differential count and serum albumin, total protein, globulins, ALT, ALP, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, glucose, and insulin were assessed. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the hematological assessments. Among the biochemical tests, there were significant differences in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and glucose (p ≤ 0.05).