PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY IN DOGS AS AFFECTED BY LEVEL OF DIETARY PROTEIN

Abstract

Severe symptoms of pyridoxine deficiency were obtained in pure-bred young dogs fed a synthetic diet containing 45.8% casein in 79-123 days, but only after 169-190 days in similar animals when the diet contained 18.0% casein. The blood of the high-protein fed normal dogs contained 16-18% Hb, 56% packed cells, 8.4 mil. erythrocytes; that of the lower-protein fed animals contained 13-15% Hb, 43% packed cells, 6.6 mil. erythrocytes. In deficiency both groups attained the same very low levels of Hb, hematocrit and red cell count. The vol. but not the Hb content of the red cells was diminished. Serum proteins and NPN were not much affected by the deficiency, but concns. of blood glucose and chloride were increased. Splenectomy did not affect the progress of the deficiency but caused a decrease in red cell count and increase in mean cell volume and Hb cell content. Convulsions were seen in 6 of the 10 high protein-fed deficient dogs and in only one of 4 on the lower protein diet. The latter animal, after cure of the deficiency, also manifested mild running fits. A characteristic dry condition of the fur and scaliness of the skin developed in all the deficient dogs. There was practically no increase in the liver fat of the deficient dogs. Return to normal blood composition and disappearance of all deficiency symptoms during 270 days'' observation occurred in all the animals cured of the deficiency by admn. of crystalline pyridoxine.