Comparison of the haematological parameters of indigenous and exotic dogs in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Health status of dogs may be assessed with haematological parameters, but adaptation to environmental stress can lead to adjustment of these normal parameters. This study was designed to compare the haematological parameters of indigenous and exotic dogs in Maiduguri during the hot dry season. Forty apparently healthy indigenous (n = 20) and exotic (n = 20) dogs of both sexes and aged from 3-48 months were used. Blood sample (5 ml) was collected from the cephalic vein of each dog in EDTA bottles. Parameters were determined using microhaematocrit method for packed cell volume (PCV), haemocytometery for red blood cell (RBC) count and total white blood cell (TWBC) count, cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and examination of stained blood smear for relative differential white blood cell (WBC) count. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and absolute differential WBC counts were calculated. The TWBC and neutrophil counts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in indigenous than exotic dogs. Exotic females had significantly (p < 0.05) lower MCHC and neutrophil count than indigenous females and all males. Age significantly (p < 0.05) affected MCV, but the highest value was recorded in young exotic dogs. Adult indigenous dogs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher neutrophil count than young indigenous and all exotic dogs. Monocyte count was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in young than adult exotic and all indigenous dogs. However, haematological values were within standard reference intervals for dogs.