Dec 24, 2017
Analysis of serum magnesium ions in dogs exposed to external stress: A pilot study
Open Veterinary Journal
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- Volume
- 7
- Number
- 4
- First page
- 367
- Last page
- 374
- Language
- English
- Publishing type
- Research paper (scientific journal)
- DOI
- 10.4314/ovj.v7i4.13
- Publisher
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli
Magnesium ions (Mg2+) are essential for various enzymatic reactions in the body associated with energy production and activation of the muscles and nerves. Mg2+ is also involved in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of body temperature, and glucose metabolism. Although various factors including foods and physical conditions have been reported to change serum Mg2+ status in humans, serum Mg2+ in dogs exposed to external stress has been unclear. In this study, we examined serum levels of Mg2+ in dogs at different conditions using the guide dog candidates for the blind. Serum Mg2+ was decreased in winter and increased in summer. Guide dog candidates in an elementary class of the training showed markedly lower levels of serum Mg2+, compared with that of dogs in an advanced class. When healthy adult dogs were subjected to forced exercise using a treadmill, a significant reduction in serum Mg2+ levels was observed, particularly in winter. These findings suggest that serum levels of Mg2+ may be influenced by weather fluctuation such as air temperature, nervousness in unaccustomed situations, age, and physical stress induced by exercise. The results indicate that Mg2+ supplementation should be considered for working dogs, dogs moving or traveling to a new environment, and dogs during winter.
- Link information
- ID information
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- DOI : 10.4314/ovj.v7i4.13
- ISSN : 2218-6050
- ISSN : 2226-4485
- SCOPUS ID : 85041743979