EVIDENCE THAT THE PHYSIOLOGIC NORMAL HEMOGLOBIN VALUE FOR ADULT DOG BLOOD IS 18 GRAMS PER 100 CC

Abstract

Ten mongrel puppies from several litters were placed on a diet adequate, according to present nutritional standards, in all blood-building factors. Hematological examination of their blood was made at regular intervals throughout the growing period and into adult life. From an avg. initial value (8-12 wks. old) of 10.5 gs., the Hb rose gradually in a period of approx. 15 wks. to values averaging 18.8 gs./100 ml. During this same time interval, the red blood count rose from 4,620,000 to 7,590,000 and the hematocrit from 34.4-54.1 vols. %. These high blood values cannot be accounted for by dehydration or Co poisoning from the yeast. Analysis of the brewers'' yeast used indicates that it contains only 2.8 parts/million of Co, or 0.00028%. The Hb values in a series of sixty dogs, chosen without special provision for the B-complex factors in the diet, varied from 10 to 22 grams,''averaging 15.1 gs./100 ml. of blood. It is concluded that the physiologic normal value for Hb of the adult dog blood is 18 gs./lOO ml. and that a red blood count of 7,590,000 and hematocrit reading of 54.1 are corresponding values.