5^th Animal Health and Veterinary Medicine Congress

The aim of this research was to determine that effect of a single dose of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg, SC) on white blood cell counts and serum glucose levels in healthy ewes. In addition, the effects of dexamethasone on other hemogram and serum biochemical values were evaluated. 8 healthy Akkaraman sheep received 0.1 mg/kg (SC, single dose) dexamethasone. Blood samples were taken before (0 hour as control) and 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours after treatment. White blood cell, red blood cell, platelet, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels were measured by a hemocell counter, whereas serum glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein levels were determined by an auto-analyzer. Dexamethasone increased (P<0.05) white blood cell and glucose levels when compared to control (0 hour), and higher levels of these values were monitored 48 hours after treatment. In addition, changes in the total bilirubin, triglyceride, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were statistically significant, but these results were within reference ranges. Dexamethasone increases white blood cell count and glucose levels in sheep and its effect may be determined during the 2-3 days after treatment.