Changes in Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Ovariohysterectomized Bitches Using an Alfaxalone–Midazolam–Morphine–Sevoflurane Protocol

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Laboratory tests are an integral part of the overall diagnostic procedures for both physiological and pathological conditions. Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in bitches is an invasive procedure, producing moderate to severe pain. The response to surgical stress is characterized by a series of neuroendocrine and metabolic changes that can be represented on hematological and biochemical profiles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological response to surgical stress, predict the presence of possible post-surgical complications, and where appropriate, establish the appropriate treatment based on the hematochemical changes during and after OHE in healthy bitches. OHE in this study induced transient changes in certain hematological and biochemical parameters. Knowledge of the hematochemical changes in response to stress and trauma induced by OHE in healthy dogs would allow to predict possible post-surgical complications. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to monitor hematochemical changes during and after OHE in bitches. Twenty-four females were anesthetized with alfaxalone, midazolam, morphine and sevoflurane. Blood samples were taken before anesthesia (T0), at 30 (T1), and 60 min (T2), at 3 (T3), 6 (T4), 12 (T5), and 24 h (T6), and at 3 (T7) and 7 days (T8) from the start of surgery. Red blood cells (RBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased significantly from T1 to T5 and hemoglobin (HB) concentration from T4 to T6. Both the white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NFS) count increased significantly from T3 to T6, monocyte (MON) from T2 to T5, and eosinophil (EOS) at T5. Platelet (PLT) and plateletcrit (PCT) significantly decreased at T5 and increased from T6 to T8; platelet distribution width (PDW) increased significantly from T3 to T6. Creatine kinase (CK) activity increased significantly from T5 to T7. Glucose (GLU) concentrations increased significantly at T2 and P from T2 to T3. TG levels decreased from T2 to T4 and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels from T1 to T7, subsequently increasing until T8. Changes possibly resulting from stress and surgical trauma, as well as hemodilution and splenic storage, are due to anesthesia and surgery. In healthy bitches, these changes tend to gradually stabilize after the ending of OHE. A post-operative follow-up is essential to detect possible post-operative complications.