|
|||||
|
|
Hypogammaglobulinemia in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs |
|
| Authors: | E McKenzie C Lupfer H Banse K Hinchcliff S Love S Nelson Jr M Davis M Payton M Pastey |
| Institution: | Department of Clinical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR;;Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR;;Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK;;Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK;;Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK;;Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia;;Fairbanks, AK;;and Iditarod Trail Committee, Wasilla, AK |
| Abstract: | Background: Serum immunoglobulin dynamics have not been studied in racing sled dogs, despite hypoglobulinemia having been reported during racing events. Hypothesis/Objectives: Hypoglobulinemia in racing sled dogs is associated with decreases in serum IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM concentrations during prolonged exercise. Animals: One hundred and fifty-seven Alaskan sled dogs that successfully completed a 1,000 mile race. Methods: Serum was obtained from 118 sled dogs within 1 month before the race and within 12 hours after completing the race. Serum also was obtained after 4 months of rest from 51 dogs that successfully completed the race, including 12 previously sampled dogs. Serum total protein (TP]), albumin, and globulin (Gl]) were measured, and serum IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM were quantified by ELISA. Results: The proportion of dogs with Gl] ≤ 2.2 g/dL was significantly greater immediately after racing (38 of 118 dogs, 32.2%) than before racing (21 of 118 dogs, 17.8%, P = .005). Four months after racing, Gl] was ≤ 2.2 g/dL in 23.5% (12 of 51) of dogs. IgG] was significantly lower before (8.21 ± 4.95 mg/mL) and immediately after (7.97 ± 5.62) racing compared with 4 months after racing (18.88 ± 5.76). Serum IgM] and IgE] were higher and IgA] was lower before racing compared with immediately after racing. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Sled dogs participating in long-distance racing have substantial decreases in IgG] in addition to decreases in IgM] and IgE]. The pronounced hypogammaglobulinemia observed in a large proportion of racing sled dogs might predispose them to infectious disease. |
| Keywords: | Canine Endurance Globulin IgG |