Biol Trace Elem Res (2008) 125:154 159 DOI 10.1007/s12011-008-8160-5 Element Status in Different Breeds of Dogs Handan Mert & Nihat Mert & Inci Dogan & Mustafa Cellat & Semih Yasar Received: 28 April 2008 / Accepted: 30 April 2008 / Published online: 20 May 2008 # Humana Press Inc. 2008 Abstract The serum levels of copper, zinc, iron, manganese, nickel, cadmium, cobalt, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were determined in seven different breeds of dogs: Pointer, Poodle, Setter, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Mallinois. Only slight variations were found among the different breeds, and the results presented in this study can be used for laboratory studies in veterinary science. Keywords Dog breeds. Element status. Serum elements Introduction Some major and trace elements are recognized as essential for a number of physiological functions in mammals. These include bone and cartilage formation, enzymatic reactions, intra- and extracellular fluid balances, oxygen transport, electron transfer reactions, normal muscle and nerve functions, and hormone production. Mineral imbalances due to excess or deficiency have been found to be associated with certain pathological conditions [1 3]. Some specific examples are given in this introduction. Copper Various biological processes such as hemoglobin formation, growth, hair pigmentation, and lactation increase the requirement for copper. Its absorption takes place mainly in the duodenum and jejunum and finds its way into the bloodstream as Cu(II) ions that are H. Mert (*) : N. Mert : I. Dogan : S. Yasar Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, 65080 Van, Turkey e-mail: hg8803@hotmail.com M. Cellat Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, 65080 Van, Turkey
Element Status in Different Breeds of Dogs 155 loosely bound to albumin and as a component of ceruloplasmin. In dogs, the level of copper increases about 20% with age, without apparent seasonal changes [4 6]. Copper deficiency leads to anemia and scorbutic bone changes in human and to ataxia and paralysis in animals. Copper can act as an oxidant and might promote lipid peroxidation in vivo, which may be a factor in human atherosclerosis [5 7]. Zinc Zinc is required for normal animal growth development and function. Impaired growth, alopecia, skin lesions, delayed sexual maturation, and immune and skeletal abnormalities characterize its deficiency. The dietary zinc requirement for domestic animals is in the 40 100-ppm range. Zinc is closely associated to copper, alkaline phosphate, and metallothionein [4 8] Iron Iron is a major element essential to every form of life. Hemo- and myoglobin, cytochromes, and many enzymatic systems depend on iron for normal function. Anemia is one of the many consequences of its deficiency [4, 5]. Manganese Also an essential element in mammals, it was proven to be required for normal growth and reproduction. In dogs, the normal manganese requirement is about 4.5ppm. The main signs of manganese deficiency in several animal species include reduced growth rate, skeletal abnormalities, and ataxia in newborns. Signs of deficiency have been reported in animals with dietary intakes of 1ppm Mn or lower [3, 4]. Along with zinc and copper, manganese has been linked to impaired reproductive performance in female dogs. Supplementation with these elements improves embryonic survival [9]. Nickel Low dietary nickel results in impaired growth, development, and reproduction. A diet containing 2 40ppb/day Ni is considered as nickel deficient. In lambs, total serum protein, red blood cell count, total lipids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver copper concentrations were shown to be associated to nickel deficiency diets containing high amounts of nickel sulfate, which causes vomiting and excessive salivary production in dogs. Dogs fed with 2,500ppm Ni for 2years develop mild anemia, increased urine volume, severe lung lesions, and reduced growth rate [3, 4]. Cadmium Cadmium is a toxic element showing antagonistic effects to zinc and other essential elements. It accumulates in the liver, kidney, salivary glands, pancreas, thyroid, testes, hair, and heart. Some of the adverse effects of cadmium include anemia, bone demineralization, and kidney damage. Dogs that drank water containing 0.2 2.5ppm Cd showed no adverse effects. At 5ppm, it reduces growth rate and results in anemia, renal tubular damage, hypertension, and splenomegalia in young animal subjects [3, 4].
156 Mert et al. Cobalt Cobalt is widely distributed in the animal body, with prevalence in the liver, bone, and kidney tissues. It is a main component of vitamin B 12 and is essential to all animal species, particularly ruminants and horses [3, 4]. Sodium Along with potassium and chloride, sodium is essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance and physiological processes of animals. As the major cation in extracellular fluid, it maintains osmotic pressure and fluid balance and helps in enzyme and ph regulation [1, 3, 4]. Excessive sodium intakes may result in excessive fluid loses, vomiting, and diarrhea. Increased plasma sodium may result in Cushing s syndrome while severe dehydration, Addison s disease, acute renal failure, and increased antidiuretic hormone secretion can be the result of decreased plasma sodium [10]. Potassium Its requirement varies according to animal species. It is highest in ruminants and regulates acid-base balance, some enzymatic processes, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein synthesis. Diets containing 0.5 4.5g potassium are considered toxic, mainly to heart. Serum levels in the 47 78mg/dl range are fatal in dogs [1, 3, 4]. Excessive potassium intake causes acidosis, oliguria, decreased suprarenal gland function, bladder rupture, and massive tissue damage. Increased loss of K + by vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination, occasionally diabetes mellitus, and chronic liver disease are the main causes of decreased plasma potassium [10]. Calcium Calcium is the main component of skeleton and teeth. Only a small percentage is found in circulation, where it is required for blood coagulation, muscle contraction, enzyme activation, and nerve impulse transmission [1, 3, 5]. Dietary insufficiencies of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D may result in the development of rickets in young animals and bone disease in adult animals [7]. Magnesium One of the four bulk metals in human body, magnesium is a cofactor in about 300 enzymes. About one third of magnesium is protein bound, forming complexes with adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine monophosphate. It is essential for cellular respiration and necessary for all phosphate reactions in tissues. It is also involved in fat and protein metabolism. Its deficiency is cause of hyperexcitability, loss of appetite, and of body weight gain [4, 5]. Magnesium has been identified in the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial damage, arterial hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias in humans. In animals, it has been linked to tetanic ataxia [4 6]. In the present study, the serum levels of macroelements and trace elements were determined in seven breeds of healthy dogs kept in similar regimes of diet and habitat.
Element Status in Different Breeds of Dogs 157 Table 1 Serum Trace Elements Levels in Seven Breeds of Healthy Dogs Number Copper Zinc Iron Manganese Nickel Cadmium Cobalt NS NS NS NS * NS * Pointer 12 0.86±0.04 a,b 0.76±0.05 a 1.53±0.18 a 0.010±0.004 a,b 0.007±0.005 b 0.003±0.000 b 0.020±0.002 c Poodle 6 0.77±0.04 b 0.77±0.05 a 1.28±0.20 a 0.006±0.005 b 0.008±0.007 b 0.002±0.001 b 0.021±0.003 c Setter 8 0.78±0.04 ab 0.72±0.05 a 1.18±0.20 a 0.020±0.004 a 0.009±0.006 b 0.004±0.001 a 0.030±0.003 a,b Labrador Retriever 15 0.87±0.04 a,b 0.77±0.05 a 1.13±0.20 a 0.009±0.003 a,b 0.009±0.004 b 0.003±0.000 b 0.034±0.002 a Golden Retriever 8 0.87±0.04 a,b 0.71±0.05 a 1.51±0.18 a 0.009±0.004 a,b 0.036±0.006 a 0.002±0.001 b 0.019±0.003 c German Shepherd 15 0.89±0.03 a 0.76±0.04 a 1.32±0.17 a 0.008±0.003 a,b 0.016±0.004 b 0.002±0.000 b 0.023±0.002 b,c Mallinois 8 0.81±0.04 a,b 0.66±0.05 a 1.29±0.18 a 0.009±0.004 a,b 0.011±0.006 b 0.002±0.001 b 0.022±0.003 b,c Values are in parts per million, average±sd NS Nonsignificant *p<0.01 a,b,c Values in column not having a common superscript differ significantly (p<0.05)
158 Mert et al. Materials and Methods A total of 72 healthy dogs of different breeds were selected for the study. According to breed, there were 12 Pointer, six Poodle, eight Setter, 15 Labrador Retriever, eight Golden Retriever, 15 German Shepherd, and eight Mallinois. The animals were raised in Gemlik, near Bursa in the northwest of Turkey. They all lived under similar conditions and were fed a commercial diet and water ad libitum. The composition of the chow was 25% protein, 16% fat, and 5% fiber, and it provided 18,133kJ/kg metabolic energy. Blood samples were taken from vena sephanea parva, and the serum was separated for analysis by means of an atomic absorption spectrometer (SOLAAR AAS, Thermo Electron) following literature procedures [11]. Significant differences were established by Duncan s test using the SAS statistical software [12]. Results and Discussion Tables 1 and 2 give the serum levels of all the macroelements and trace elements in the different breeds of dogs. There were statistically significant differences in the levels of Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Co, Na, and Ca (p<0.05). There were no differences in the levels of Zn, Fe, K, and Mg. Atomic absorption spectrometry is a reliable method for the monitoring of elements in medical veterinary practice [13]. The role of these elements in health and disease and the interactions between elements are subject of much interest among researchers [14]. The serum elements levels need to be correlated to clinical and pathological observations. In this manner, the excess or deficiency of an element or elements can be taken as signs of disease or toxicity. Some of the clinical signs of a disease originating in deficiency of a particular element are well known, but in other cases, the symptoms are not clearly defined, making it necessary to know the normal blood or serum levels of certain elements and other biochemical parameters [7, 9, 15, 16]. In the present study, the highest serum iron levels were found in Pointers and the lowest in Labrador Retrievers. The serum Zn level was lowest in Mallinois. The Mg levels were Table 2 Serum Major Elements Levels in Seven Breeds of Healthy Dogs Number Sodium (meq/l) Potassium (meq/l) Magnesium (ppm) Calcium (ppm) ** NS NS * Pointer 12 145.04±1.41 a,b,c 4.74±0.13 a 40.97±0.41 a 98.59±5.44 a Poodle 6 142.70±1.99 c 5.18±0.18 a 41.75±0.45 a 90.57±5.88 a Setter 8 148. 89±1.72 a,b 4.72±0.16 a 41.33±0.45 a 86.77±5.88 a,b Labrador Retriever 15 144.82±1.26 a,b,c 4.87±0.12 a 41.53±0.45 a 94.63±5.88 a Golden Retriever 8 148.78±1.72 a,b 4.99±0.16 a 41.49±0.41 a 90.33±5.44 a German Shepherd 15 144.06±1.26 b,c 5.05±0.11 a 41.85±0.39 a 94.51±5.09 a Mallinois 8 144.71±1.72 a 5.05±0.16 a 40.87±0.41 a 73.21±5.44 b NS Nonsignificant *p<0.05 **p<0.01 a,b,c Values in column not having a common superscript differ significantly (p<0.05)
Element Status in Different Breeds of Dogs 159 very similar in all breeds of dog, and Cu levels of Poodle were lower than other breeds. The only significant differences were found in Cu between Poodles and German Shepherds ( p< 0.05). The serum Ca levels of Mallinois were significantly lower than other breeds except Setters ( p<0.05). The differences in sodium levels between Mallinois, Poodle, and German Shepherds were statistically significant ( p<0.01). A similar significance was also found between Poodle, Setter, and Golden Retriever but not so in other breeds ( p>0.05). The highest and lowest average values of potassium were found in Poodle and Setter, respectively. The differences between all breeds were not statistically important ( p>0.05). The average Mn differences between all breeds were not statistically significant, except between Poodle and Setter ( p<0.05). Golden retrievers had the highest value for serum nickel. The difference was significantly different to all other breeds ( p<0.01). Cadmium was highest in Setters ( p< 0.05) but nonsignificant to all other species. The highest average cobalt values were determined in Labrador Retrievers and the lowest in Golden Retrievers. The differences were significant between Labradors and all breeds except Setters ( p<0.01). In conclusion, determining the levels of elements in animals is important due to the role they play in animal health and disease. The data obtained for these healthy dogs could be useful for the clinical and laboratory diagnosis in veterinary medicine. References 1. Coles EH (1986) Veterinary clinical pathology, 4th edn. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA, p 231 240 2. Bunce HW, Chiemchaisri Y, Phillips PH (1962) The mineral requirements of the dog. IV. Effect of certain dietary and physiologic factors upon the magnesium deficiency syndrome. J Nutr 76:23 29 3. Committee on Mineral Toxicity in Animals (1980) Mineral tolerance of domestic animals. National Academy of Science, Washington, DC 4. Underwood EJ (1977) Trace elements in human and animal nutrition, 4th edn. Academic, London 5. Golden MH (1988) Trace elements in human nutrition. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 36:448 455 6. Chester JK (1978) Biochemical functions of zinc in animals. World Rev Nutr Diet 32:135 164 7. McDwell LR, Condrad JH (1989) Detection of mineral deficiencies and toxicities for graning livestock. In: Trace 89 Proceeding, Cukurova University Medical Faculty, Adana, Turkey, pp 69 80 8. Lowe JA, Wiseman J, Cole DA (1994) Zn sources influence Zn retardation in hair growth in the dog. J Nutr 124:2575S 9. Kuhlman G, Rompala RE (1998) The influence of dietary sources of zinc, copper and manganese on canine reproductive performance and hair mineral content. J Nutr 128:2603S 2605S 10. Mert N (1996) Veteriner Klinik Biyokimya, U.U. Guclendirme Vakfı Yayın 12 (in Turkish) 11. Morton S, Roberts DJ (1993) University of Bristol, Unicam AAS methods. Manual issue 2, 05/93 12. SAS (2006) User s guide: statistics. SAS Institute, Carry, NC 13. Taylor AW, Walker LS (1984) Trace element analysis-obtaining good result. In: Trace 89 Proceeding, Cukurova University Medical Faculty, Adana, Turkey, pp 1 9 14. Vohara SB (1983) Medical elementology. Inst Hist Med Rev Res New Delhi 15. Adamama-Moraitou K, Rallis T, Papasteriadis A, Roubies N, Kaldrimidou H (2001) Iron, zinc, and copper concentration in serum, various organs, and hair of dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dig Dis Sci 46:1444 1457 16. Muller E (2005) Clinico-chemical parameters in the dog. Kleintierpraxis 50:785 788