VALORES DE HEMATÓCRITO, PROTEÍNA TOTAL PLASMÁTICA E CÁLCIO SÉRICO TOTAL EM CADELAS GESTANTES E LACTANTES E A CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE TAMANHO DE NINHADA, DIETA E ESCORE CORPORAL

Abstract

In female dogs, pregnancy and lactation are physiological periods characterized by metabolic and hormonal changes and an increase in the organism's energy demand. The objective of the study was to analyze the values of hematocrit, total plasma protein, and total serum calcium in pregnant and lactating dogs and the correlation between litter size, diet, and body condition score, assessing the need for specific management practices. Eighteen female dogs were evaluated, divided into four experimental groups, with T1 consisting of dogs up to 45 days of gestation, T2 dogs with more than 45 days of gestation, T3 dogs with 15 days of lactation, and T4 dogs with 45 days of lactation. Blood samples were collected to analyze hematocrit, total plasma protein, and total serum calcium. A questionnaire was administered to gather data on the animals, such as age, diet, body condition score, supplementation, among other information. The statistical analyses used were ANOVA followed by Tukey, chi square and multiple correspondence analysis. There was a statistical difference regarding hematocrit, with values below the reference range in T3. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of total plasma protein and total serum calcium. There were no statistically significant differences in the laboratory values related to age, type of delivery, and body condition score of the dogs. However, a significant positive correlation was identified between lean dogs and those that had eight puppies, due to increased energy expenditure during lactation. There were no cases of hypocalcemia during the study, reinforcing the lack of need for supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation.