Abstract
Purpose
Toxicity studies using juvenile animals are becoming increasingly important in the development of pediatric drugs. However, there are few data on dogs. In this study, we investigated the changes of biochemical values in juvenile beagles.
Materials and Methods
Pups of TOYO beagle (Kitayama Labes Co., Ltd.) were examined by having blood drawn from the jugular vein immediately and 24, 48 hours after birth and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age. Each blood collection point's data were calculated as mean±SD for each age and trends were examined.
Results
No abnormalities were observed in the mothers and pups. Newborns received abundant nutrients and immunoglobulins from colostrum, and by 2 weeks of age, opening of external ear canals and eyelids were observed. Pups that received only breast milk until 3 weeks of age showed eruption of milk teeth between 3 and 7 weeks of age, ingested feed, and walked by themselves. During first 24 hours after birth, ALP, ChE, γ-GTP, AST, ALT, LDH, LAP, CK, BUN, CRE, UA, and BIL were markedly elevated. These decreased with growth and remained at low levels after one week of age. TG increased until 48 hours after birth and then gradually decreased until 7 weeks of age. T-CHO, HDL-C, F-CHO, and PL were elevated until 3 weeks of age, and then began to decline.
Conclusion
Many blood biochemical values were elevated immediately after birth and gradually stabilized after one weeks old. In the study of juvenile animals, it was considered extremely important to understand the basic blood data.
