Haematological and Serum Biochemical Analysis of Atopic Dogs

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing skin disease of dogs affecting 10  percent of the canine population throughout the world and it is the second common skin disease of dogs. Environmental allergens, genetic and breed predisposition, immune status of the dogs are categorized as the common etiological factors of the disease. Based on the history and diagnostic criteria, the dogs were grouped into three - Group I (control dogs), Group II (Dogs with canine atopic dermatitis)and Group III(Dogs concurrently affected with canine atopic dermatitis and cutaneous adverse food reaction).  As a part of diagnostic investigation, the three groups were subjected to hematological and serum biochemical analysis. On hematological analysis, a decreased erythrocyte count and elevated eosinophil count was observed in the majority of the dogs in the Groups II and III. Also, both the groups exhibited a mild leukocytosis when compared to the control group. In serum biochemical tests, total proteins and cholesterol levels were decreased in Groups II and III. Rest of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters did not show apparent difference from the control group.