Abstract

Population-based haematological baseline data for dogs have not been established for Veterinary Hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and states within north-central, Nigeria. The over reliance on established reference values from temperate countries as well as the existence of potential inter- and intra-population variation in the haemogram of different species of animals, even among population within the same country, may not reflect the diversity in genetic factors and physiological processes in dogs domesticated in FCT. Therefore, this study evaluated the haematological profiles of apparently healthy dogs in four out of the six area councils in FCT. Using a cross-sectional design, whole blood samples were collected from two hundred and fifty-seven (257) apparently healthy dogs of different breeds, sexes, and age groups following informed consent by owners. Haematological parameters were determined using an automated haematology analyzer.