Comparing hematological coagulation and biochemical parameters of healthy dogs living at below and above sea levels

There is limited information in the literature about the effect of altitude on the variability of hematological, coagulation, and biochemical parameters in healthy dogs. The main aim of this research is to evaluate and compare hematological, coagulation, and selected biochemical parameters of apparently healthy dogs living below and above sea level. Hematological coagulation and selected biochemical parameters were compared between 21 apparently healthy middle-aged dogs living at 180 to 260 m below sea level and 1012 to 1160 m above sea level. The mean values of WBC, MCV, MCH, granulocytes, AST, BUN, sodium, and prothrombin time were significantly lower in dogs living below sea level (low altitude) while mean values of lymphocytes and monocytes were higher when compared with dogs living above sea level. Significant differences were found in a set of hematological coagulation and biochemical parameters of dogs living at different altitudes. This is the first study to compare such parameters below and above sea level in healthy dogs. The findings are preliminary and potentially can pave the road for further research regarding altitude effect. Furthermore, it highlighted the effect of altitude on the variability of hematological, coagulation, and biochemical parameters in healthy dogs.