Alterations in Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Dogs Naturally Infested with Sarcoptes canis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in dogs naturallyinfested with Sarcoptes canis. Twenty dogs, aged 3- 15 months in different breeds and genders, were divided into twogroups: 10, admitted to the Internal Medicine Clinics of Kafkas University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, were infestedwith Sarcoptes canis and (Group I) and 10 were healthy (Group II). The serum Cu and Zn levels in Group I were determinedas 0.83 ± 0.13 mg/L and 0.70 ± 0.08 mg/L , respectively while the values in Group II 4.27 ± 0.23 mg/L and 1.70 ± 0.13 mg/L,respectively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the levels of serum Cu (P