Effects of short-term racing activity on platelet and neutrophil activation in dogs

To determine whether platelets and neutrophils become activated in dogs during short-distance sled-pulling activity.

18 physically fit adult Siberian Huskies.

Dogs were allocated into 2 teams (9 dogs/team). Each team ran a course of approximately 6.4 km while pulling a sled that contained 2 people. Blood samples were collected immediately before and within 10 minutes after completion of sled-pulling activity. Blood was aspirated into sterile syringes and immediately transferred to evacuated tubes containing EDTA solution. Platelet activation status was evaluated by determining cell-surface P-selection expression, number of platelet aggregates and platelet microparticles, mean platelet-component (MPC) concentration, and mean platelet-component distribution width (MPCDW) concentration. Neutrophil activation status was evaluated by determining cell-surface CD11/CD18 expression, neutrophil size, and neutrophil granularity.

Short-duration strenuous sled-pulling activity was associated with lower MPC concentration, higher MPCDW concentration, and higher cell-surface P-selectin expression after activation with phorbol myristate acetate. An increase in neutrophil CD11/CD18 expression and a decrease in neutrophil granularity were also observed after exercise.

Results of this study provide evidence of priming and activation of platelets and activation of neutrophils after strenuous short-duration sled-pulling activity. Additional studies will be needed to determine whether these changes have adverse effects on animal performance or induce tissue injury.