Haematological and biochemical variations among eight sighthound breeds.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the haematological and biochemical profiles of eight sighthound breeds. DESIGN Samples were taken from 192 individuals of the sighthound breeds (Whippet, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Sloughi, Saluki, Borzoi, Pharaoh Hound and Azawakh). Routine haematological and biochemical examinations were performed and the results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS There were significant differences in haematology and clinical biochemistry among the sighthound breeds. The most similar laboratory profile to Greyhounds was found in Whippets. Italian Greyhounds had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase activity than other sighthounds, except Pharaoh Hounds. CONCLUSION Application of the Greyhound laboratory profile to other sighthounds is not recommended because of the frequent differences in haematological and clinical biochemical reference intervals.