Selenium levels in organs and tissues of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) from the northwest area of Poland

Introduction: Selenium (Se) is a component of oxidoreductases and cytochromes. It also influences the growth and proliferation of cells, and it is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.

The aim of the study was to determine selenium concentration in the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and muscles of dog (Canis lupus familiaris) from northwestern Poland.

Materials and methods: Samples of organs and tissues were collected from 15 dogs at the age of 1 month to 17 years. The dogs were fed a diet similar to humans, with a small amount of commercial feed. Selenium concentration in the organs was determined spectrofluorometrically.

Results: The highest Se concentration was found in the kidneys (0.57 ±0.42 mg/kg of wet weight – ww) and the lowest in muscles (0.11 ±0.09 mg/kg, ww). Mean selenium concentrations in the examined organs followed the order: kidneys>liver>lungs>heart>muscles.

Conclusions: Our study shows that the Se concentration in the studied materials was below optimal level in 75% of the analysed dogs. This means that 75% of dogs had a deficiency of this element. The results obtained in this research suggest that the animal diet, which was very similar to the human diet, was not sufficient toensure an optimum Selenium level in the bodies of these animals.