Biochemical and metabolic changes due to exercise in sprint-racing sled dogs: implications for postexercise carbohydrate supplements and hydration management

Vet Ther. 2004 Spring;5(1):52-9.

Abstract

Evaluations of biochemical changes associated with spring-style sled dog racing indicate that differences in cortisol, lactate, and serum glucose levels suggest exercise of moderate duration (but high intensity) has metabolic demands that dif-fer from those for typical endurance sled dog racing. Additionally, hematocrit, albumin, sodium, chloride, and blood urea nitrogen levels decreased in one team of dogs, whereas there were mild increases in sodium, chloride, and blood urea nitrogen in the other team. These opposing biochemical findings suggest physiologic changes associated with differences in hydration status, likely attributed to different dietary and hydration strategies used by the respective kennels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen
  • Dehydration / therapy
  • Dehydration / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / therapy*
  • Dogs / metabolism*
  • Fluid Therapy / veterinary*
  • Hematocrit / veterinary
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal*
  • Serum Albumin
  • Sodium Chloride / blood

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Serum Albumin
  • Lactic Acid
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Hydrocortisone