This study aimed to evaluate of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in dogs with dermatological disease, and weather there was a relation between histo-pathological changes in skin and concentrations in serum of these minerals.
Seventy-one dogs belonging to miscellaneous breeds (46 females and 25 males} were used. Eczema (EC), demodicosis (DX) and dermatitis (DR) presented in dogs with dermatological disease. All dogs were divided as healthy (K, n=31). EC (n=13). DX (ns=15) and DR (n=!2) groups, and blood was taken without coagulant substance. Skin biopsies were only performed to dogs in DX and DR groups. Zn and Cu levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All data were calculated by one-way ANOVA test.
Differences in Zn levels were established between control and other groups, and the levels were significantly lower in diseased dogs than healthy dogs (p<0.001). When it was compared with control group, Cu levels were determined significant decreases in DX group (p<0.01) and EC group (p<0.05). There was no difference in Zn levels between diseased groups.
SCu levels were found lower in DR group than DX group (p<0.05). Histo-palhological changes such as inflammation, keratosis follicularis, mix oedema, telagenosis. lipomatosis, papillar hyperplasia, atrophy (Epiderma. follicular, lipid and sweat glands), vacuolisation, orthokeratosis and follicular dilatation were fixed in DX and DR groups.
As a result of this study. It were determined that Zn levels in EC. DX and DR. and Cu levels in EC and DX significantly decreased in dogs with dermatological disease In addition to other histopathological changes. Acanthosis and parakeratosis were thought to be related to decreased Zn levels, and dermal hyperplasia and epidermal melanosis to decreased Cu levels.