A survey on hemogram, osmotic fragility and antioxidant enzyme changes of erythrocytes in dogs treated with Garlic

The vital properties of garlic have been known since ancient times. It is an herbal medicine with antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and antidiabetic properties which is extensively used in the treatment of diseases. Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds, mainly in the form of cysteine derivatives. Among domestic animals, dogs and cats are more sensitive to the oxidative effects of Allium sativum family plants including garlic and onion due to differences in antioxidant defense system of red blood cells (Kovalkovicova et al., 2009). Herbal remedies are usually cheaper than chemical medicines. However, some reports suggest that poisoning and hematological complications may occur following the consumption of raw garlic or its extract in dogs (Lee et al., 2000). The purpose of the present survey was to assess probable hematologic alterations and the activity of some erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes following garlic administration in dogs.

The present study was performed in Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during October-March 2015. For this purpose ten mixed breed dogs were selected with an average age of 1 to 2 years old in a similar weight range (19.6 kg). All the studied dogs were clinically healthy. They were selected from the population of rural dogs around Ahvaz district. Age of dogs was estimated according to dental formulary and tooth wear. In this research, all dogs were treated with garlic tablet (100 mg/kg, only once daily and for 45 days). Blood samples were collected three times on days zero, 45 and 60 of challenge. Complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte morphology, reticulocyte count, Heinz body and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test were measured in different times. Evaluation of antioxidant enzymes activity of red blood cells including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were performed by commercial kits (Randox, UK) and spectrophotometric method (Optima 3000 plus, Japan). According to the kit instruction, 0.5 ml of whole blood was slipped after three steps of washing with normal saline (NaCl 0.9%) (Merck, Germany), by adding 2 ml of cold distilled water (4° C). The obtained samples were stored at -70° C until testing.

It was determined that the use of garlic tablet with dosage of 100 mg/kg was tolerated in the studied dogs. No clinical complications were observed in animals (such as diarrhea, vomiting and anorexia). Garlic administration caused a significant reduction in erythrocyte count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration on day 60 compared to zero day (p