Blood Macro (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P) and Micro (Al, B, Mo, Se, Mn, Sb, Sn, Tl) Element Status and Correlations in Shelter Dogs

Depending on bioconcentration, elements are classified as macro and micro. While some are essential for biological processes but may be toxic above the tolerable concentrations, than is necessary to monitor the concentrations. Also, the deficiency or excess of micro- and macroelements may diminish the effect of substances, such as other elements or drugs, or cause them to exert toxic effects. In the present study, macro (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and micro (Al, B, Mn, Mo, Sb, Sn, and Tl) element concentrations and correlations were determined in shelter dogs. According to the results, the high to low micro- and macroelement concentrations were found to be K>Ca>P>Mg>Na and Se>Al>Mn>B>Mo>Sb>Sn>Tl respectively. Statistically significant positive (Ca-Sn, Mg-Mn, Mg-Sb, Mg-Se, P-Al, P-Sb) and negative (K-Al, K-Mn, Na-Al, Na-Sb, Na-Sn) correlations were determined between macro- and microelements. The concentrations of the macroelements that were analyzed in this study were within the reference range. There is no data on the concentrations and biological or toxic effects of some elements, such as B, Sb, Sn, and Tl, in dogs. Reference biomarkers should be identified for the early diagnosis of conditions induced by altered element concentrations and the health impacts of these changes should be thoroughly investigated.