SERUM ZINC, COPPER AND ALPHA TOCOPHEROL CONCENTRATIONS IN DOGS WITH ECZEMA

In Istanbul, most cases of eczema have been seen in dogs which have been fed with only meat or bread. Only the dogs with eczema, that were fed with unbalanced home diets were included in this study. The eczema group contained the dogs of Karabash, German Shepherd and mixed breeds and control group contained healthy dogs (Karabash). Skin samples were examined microscopically. Serum zinc (Zn), cop­per (Cu) concentrations and alpha tocopherol (a-TCP) levels were measured in all dogs. Serum copper con­centrations were significantly decreased and serum zinc concentrations were increased in dogs with eczema compared to the control group (p<0.05). But there was no significant change in serum a-TCP levels in dogs with eczema. There was a negative correlation between serum Cu and a-TCP concentrations. Our data concluded that restricted diet and decreased Cu and increased Zn concentrations might be responsible for the prog­ress of eczema in dogs.