HAEMOGRAM OF NIGERIAN MONGREL BITCH AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

G. D. Mshelia, J. D. Amin and S. U. R. Chaudhari

Abstract

    The haematologic parameters of the Nigerian Mongrel bitch were investigated  at different stages of the reproductive cycle to determine their clinical values. Results showed that red blood cell (RBC) counts were highest during anoestrus, with a mean of 5.09 ± 0.62 x 10⁶/µL, while lowest values were recorded during pregnancy, the difference was significant (P<0.05). White blood cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) showed an increasing pattern from anoestrus to proestrus and then decreased with transition from proestrus to oestrus. Total WBC counts were highest during dioestrus and almost twice the value recorded in pregnancy. It appears that WBC count may be used for pregnancy diagnosis in the Nigerian Mongrel bitch.