Effect of Short-Term Road Transportation on Vital Parameters, Haematology, Enzymatic Antioxidants and Cortisol Level of Healthy Dogs (<i>Canis Familiaris</i>)

Abstract

The study aims at determining the effect of short-term road transportation on vital parameters, haematology, enzymatic antioxidants and cortisol level of healthy dogs. Ten apparently healthy dogs weighing 8-12 kg, comprising of both sexes (3 females and 2 males), aged between 6 to 8 months were used as experimental animals. Measurements of the vital parameters and blood sample collection for hemato-biochemical parameters were taken before and immediately after short-term transportation. Rectal temperature (RT) value of 37.8ºC ± 0.3 recorded before transport was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the value of 39.6ºC ± 0.1 recorded after transport, similarly, the heart rate (HR) values of 80 ± 2.8 beats per minute before transport was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the value of 121 ± 8.9 beats per minute recorded after the transport. There were no significant (P > 0.05) changes in the haematological indices before and after transportation. The activity of SOD reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from 140 ± 10 U/mg to 129.8 ± 12.6 U/mg. Cortisol level increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 18.7 ± 3.7 pg/ml before transport to 23.1 ± 4.5 pg/ml. In conclusion, short-term transportation induced stress in dogs by increasing rectal temperature, heart rate and cortisol level. The dogs were also subjected to oxidative stress.