Comparison of haemorrheological parameters and blood pressure in various breeds of dog

Relationships between blood pressure and haemorrheological factors were exa mined in three groups of dogs characterised by different levers of blood pr essure, The groups-used were sight hounds (high pressure), retrievers (low pressure) and a mixed group with intermediate pressure. The three groups ha d different levels of haematocrit and brood viscosity at both high and tow shear rates, with the sight hounds showing the highest and retrievers showi ng the lowest levels for each of the parameters. The plasma viscosities did not differ significantly between the groups. Brood pressure and blood visc osity or haematocrit were not correlated within dog groups, but when the do g groups were considered together, significant positive correlations existe d between pressure and viscosity and pressure and haematocrit.