Comparison of blood hematological parameters from Kangal shepherd dogs used for herding duties and kept in kennel conditions [Sürü Koruma Görevi Yapan ve Kulübe Şartlarinda Tutulan Kangal Köpeklerinin Kan Hematolojik Düzeylerinin Karşilaştirilmasi]

Abstract

Effects of conditions in which Kangal dogs used for herding duties and kept in kennels as guard dogs, on blood parameters are not known. Aim of the study was to compare hematological parameters of Kangal dogs that were used for herding duties and kept in kennels as guard dogs. Blood samples were collected from 48 male Kangal dogs that were used for herding and kept in kennels as guards and blood haematological parameters were determined by using autoanalyzer. Statistical differences between these groups were compared by using SPSS v.15 package software. Statistically significant differences (P<0.001) were found between these two groups in parameters of red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and hemoglobin (Hb). However, no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) were found between these groups in parameters of white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (Lymph), monocyte count (Mono), neutrophile count (Gran), percentage of lymphocytes (Lymph %), percentage of monocytes (Mono %), percentage of neutrophiles (Gran %), platelet (PLT) and hematocrit (Hct) levels. When the results are taken into account, it was concluded that changes in blood parameters of Kangal dogs used for different purposes were found due to the levels of physical activity, and these changes were found as similar to the changes of blood parameters of racing dogs that are exhibiting excessive performances.