120 Seasonal Variation of Select Serum Electrolyte Concentrations in Siberian Huskies Housed Outside in Ontario Canada from may Until October

Abstract The effect of season has been recognized in both human and veterinary medicine for its influence on various hematological and biochemical parameters. However, limited research has been conducted in dogs regarding seasonal electrolyte changes, especially in those non-exercising and housed outdoors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of seasonal variation in ambient conditions on electrolyte status in 28 outdoor-housed adult Siberian huskies (13 females: 8 spayed, 5 intact and 15 males: 9 neutered, 6 intact). Dogs had an average age of 5.3 ± 2.8 years and body weight of 23.22 ± 3.73 kg. Dogs were fed one of four dry extruded diets formulated with the same mineral premix. Fasted blood samples were collected monthly from May until October and sera were analyzed for Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and P using photometric analysis. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with dog as a random effect and temperature, spay-neuter status, and age as fixed effects. Serum Na+, K+, Ca2+, and P concentration were least in May, and greatest in September, October, October, and June, respectively (P< 0.05). Conversely, serum Mg2+ were greatest in May and September, and least in August (P< 0.05). Serum Cl- were greatest in May and October, and least in July (P< 0.05). Across all months, females had decreased serum Ca2+ than males, intact dogs had greater serum Cl-, and younger dogs (<3 years of age) had greater serum P compared with older dogs (P< 0.05). These results suggest that dogs experience significant changes in electrolyte balance due to seasonal and ambient variation. Those that are higher risk for electrolyte loss and imbalance may benefit from supplementation during the summertime. Further research is needed to understand if seasonal or ambient variations drive these changes and if they compromise athletic performance.