Blood Biochemical, Enzymatic and Haematological Status of Dogs Affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs more frequently in large breed dogs and the common form is Idiopathic DCM. Blood biochemical and enzymatic parameters pertaining to cardiology were analysed in both healthy and DCM affected dogs. The activity of creatine kinase increased significantly while the concentration of sodium and calcium decreased significantly in DCM cases. Significant differences in the concentration of potassium, creatinine, urea and total cholesterol were observed, but the values were well within the normal range. The concentration of other blood biochemical parameters like glucose, total proteins, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and the activity of the enzymes AST and LDH were all within the normal range and showed no significant variation between the healthy and DCM dogs. Similarly, haematological parameters were also analysed in both healthy and DCM affected dogs. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of Haemoglobin, PCV (%), RBC count and Platelet count in DCM affected dogs. However, the total WBC counts were significantly higher; with DLC showing neutrophilia in DCM affected dogs. Thus the overall picture indicated Ischemia with acute infection.