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

The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in dogs naturally infested with Sarcoptes canis. Twenty dogs, aged 3-15 months in different breeds and genders, were divided into two groups: 10, admitted to the Internal Medicine Clinics of Kafkas University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, were infested with Sarcoptes canis and (Group I) and 10 were healthy (Group II). The serum Cu and Zn levels in Group I were determined as 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 0.001) and Zn (P 0.05) of animals in Group I were significantly lower than those in Group II. As a result, it was ascertained that serum Cu and Zn levels were lower in dogs infested with Sarcoptes canis as compared to those in healthy dogs. Therefore, it was concluded that serum Cu and Zn levels were affected by Sarcoptes canis infestation.