Reference values of chemical blood parameters for puppies during the firsteight weeks of life

Reference Values were determined for blood plasma concentrations of albumin , total protein, glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, cholesterin, t riglycerides, total calcium und anorganic phosphate as well as the activiti es of alkaline phosphatase, alanine-amino-transferase (ALT) and glutamate-d ehydrogenase based on 109-124 healthy puppies at different times (1(st)-3(r d), 8(th)-10(th), 28(th)-33(rd), and 50(th)-58(th) day of life). In additio n, all the results were calculated separately for the breeds involved in th is study (Beagle [n = 34-40], German Shepherd [n = 32-35] and Golden Retrie ver [n = 43-53]). Furthermore, male and female puppies were compared. All e xamined parameters showed remarkable dynamics during the suckling period. O ften the values exceeded respectively fell below the reference ranges for a dult dogs. Significant systematic breed influences as for instance a signif icantly lower glucose concentration for the German Shepherd puppies were al so found for other parameters, especially for alkaline phosphatase and ALT. However, differences between male and female animals were only present spo radically and were of minor clinical relevance. The gathered breed differen ces; show that it is worthwhile not only to acquire age specific reference ranges but also breed specific reference ranges for selected parameters. On the other hand, reference ranges without the definition of the breed can o nly be used for orientation.