Changes in rectal temperature and hematologic, biochemical, blood gas, andacid-base values in healthy Labrador Retrievers before and after strenuousexercise

Objective-To measure changes in rectal temperature and hematologic, biochem ical, blood gas, and acid-base values before and after exercise. Animals-14 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers. Procedure-Dogs exercised continuously for 10 minutes by repeatedly retrievi ng a dummy thrown approximately 40 to 50 yards on land. The ambient tempera ture during each exercise period was recorded. Rectal temperature, pulse, a nd respiratory rate were measured; CBC and serum biochemical profile were d etermined; and arterial blood gas tensions, acid-base status, and plasma la ctate and pyruvate concentrations were measured at rest and immediately aft er exercise. Rectal temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and lactate and p yruvate concentrations were evaluated at intervals up to 120 minutes after exercise. Results-Immediately after exercise, rectal temperature increased markedly; ambient temperature did not affect rectal temperature. Arterial blood pH an d Pa-O2 were significantly increased after exercise, and Pa-CO2 and bicarbo nate concentration were significantly decreased after exercise. Also, stati stically, but not clinically, significant increases were observed in RBC, W BC, and segmented neutrophil counts; hemoglobin, total protein, and serum s odium and potassium concentrations; PCV; anion gap; and creatine kinase act ivity. Plasma lactate and pyruvate concentrations increased significantly a fter exercise, but there was no change in the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Reference values for healthy Laborador Re trievers during a standardized exercise protocol were established to compar e data obtained from Laborador Retrievers with exercise intolerance and col lapse. important characteristics of lactate and pyruvate metabolism were do cumented that will enable more precise evaluation of exercise intolerance i n this breed.