The Influence of Short Duration Exercise on the Concentration of C-Reactive Protein and Selected Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in the Blood of German Shepherd Dogs

Abstract

Abstract Short-term intensive exercise may be associated with many short-lasting metabolic changes. These changes depend on the duration and intensity of the exercise. The aim of our study was to determine potential changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and selected haematological and biochemical parameters in clinically healthy German shepherd dogs before short duration high-intensity exercise and 6 hours after the exercise. During the study, the dogs were subjected to the following defensive training: detaining a figurant running away from a dog (2×) and detaining with a counterattack (2×). The running distance was 200 m at a mean speed of 28 km.h-1. The investigation of haematological parameters revealed a significant decrease in the mean values of platelet haematocrit (PCT) 6 hours after the training. Significant differences in the levels determined before and after exercise were observed also for phosphorus (P) and for iron (Fe). At the same time, we observed a significant increase in the mean calcium (Ca) level and a significant decrease in sodium (Na) and chlorides (Cl). The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) significantly increased after exercise. Concentrations of acute phase C-reactive proteins were increased 6 hours after exercise in comparison to those before exercise but the difference was insignificant. Although the concentration of CRP was increased insignificantly after the exercise, when interpreting concentrations of this nonspecific indicator of inflammation, one should keep in mind that intensive exercise may also affect its concentrations.